Using a Table Tennis Game, “Elemental Knock-Out”, To Increase Students’ Familiarity with Chemical Elements, Symbols, and Atomic Numbers

Abstract

A motivating and fun activity for students in introductory chemistry has been designed to increase familiarity with the chemical elements, symbols, and atomic numbers in the periodic table. This activity, Elemental Knock-Out, is a table tennis game, and the gameplay is adapted from a box grid baseball game. Playing in teams for fun and enjoyment, students work cooperatively with others to compete against an opposing team. The game is designed for first-year undergraduate students. The cost of one set of game materials is less than $50. The average time required to complete one game, i.e., to become familiar with the chemical elements and atomic numbers, is about 120 min for a class of 60 students. This game was implemented with 118 students including different grade classes. The results were interpreted through poll and quiz before and after the activity. The results of the study revealed that most of the students had positive impressions of the game and considered it to be a fun way of interacting with the concepts. The quiz test also showed an increase of average score of the students by playing the game. Table tennis is a sport that anybody at any age can play. Therefore, this game should facilitate the promotion of knowledge of chemistry, e.g., the periodic table of the elements, to the target student group.

Chemical Battleship: Discovering and Learning the Periodic Table Playing a Didactic and Strategic Board Game

“…2−8 Many examples in the literature approach periodic table concepts in a fun way for students: card games, 9−14 board games such as Taboo 15 or bingo, 12,16 crossword puzzles, 17−19 building blocks, 20,21 group dynamics, 22 or sport-related games. 23,24 However, to our understanding, these proposals are of limited application in certain educational levels, as all of them fulfill at least two of the following items:…”

Educational Videogame to Learn the Periodic Table: Design Rationale and Lessons Learned

“…In chemistry education, much work has been done regarding alternative memorization methods, including concepts and strategies such as “learning by playing”, “edutainment”, or “serious games”, − i.e., games designed for a primary purpose other than pure entertainment. The games can be developed either in a physical format, − a digital format, , or both . Some games are individual or competitive, whereas others promote interactivity and let students ask either game characters or other players for help .…”

“…A key aspect in serious games is to measure their effectivity and utility, usually in terms of improving students’ knowledge by just playing. ,,, The assessment is based on feedback from students and teachers after playing the game. ,,,,,, Generally, students perceive serious games as useful …”

“…21,25,39,40 The assessment is based on feedback f r o m s t u d e n t s a n d t e a c h e r s af t e r p l a y i n g t h e game. 18,22,23,26,27,30,34 Generally, students perceive serious games as useful. 41 A plethora of games based on the PT have been developed, most of them focusing on a particular pedagogy concept.…”

“…21,25,39,40 The assessment is based on feedback from students and teachers after playing the game. 18,22,23,26,27,30,34 Generally, students perceive serious games as useful.…”