Periodic Table Edutainment

In December 2006, Theodore Gray, [Popular Science columnist and co-founder of Wolfram Research (Mathematica)] dazzled the world with his stunning periodic table, which was released as a tear-out section of the magazine. Four years in the making, the beautiful photography resulted from a search for samples of the elements that would reflect the diversity of nature.

Initially, Gray had hoped to collect and store each of the elements as sealed samples in a "table" that people could sit on and explore. But some of the elements are still unavailable in safe form. Ironically, Gray came full circle in releasing the poster version of his effort.

Now, the periodic table is available as an interactive flash version, as well. Clicking on an image brings it full-screen, encouraging users to explore new details.

You may also want to check out Tom Leher's entertaining and animated version of the periodic table in song, as another fun way to learn.