National Periodic Table Day celebrates the iconic chart that organizes chemical elements, serving as a fundamental tool in chemistry and scientific education.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 7th
- Tagged as: Science Education Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #PeriodicTableDay
- When was it founded?: 2016
- Who founded it?: David T. Steineker, a chemistry teacher from Kentucky
History
The day was established to honor John Newlands’ publication of the first periodic table on February 7, 1863. It also coincides with the birthday of Dmitri Mendeleev, who created the modern periodic table in 1869. The celebration aims to promote chemistry education and recognize scientific achievements.
Timeline
- 1817: Johann Dobereiner organizes elements into triads
- 1863: John Newlands publishes first periodic table
- 1869: Mendeleev creates modern periodic table
- 1904: Discovery of noble gases by William Ramsay
- 2016: First National Periodic Table Day celebration
2025 Dates
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February | 7 |
| 2026 | February | 7 |
| 2027 | February | 7 |
| 2028 | February | 7 |
| 2029 | February | 7 |
How It’s Observed
- Chemistry demonstrations in schools
- Scientific lectures and workshops
- Periodic table trivia contests
- Element-themed art projects
- Science museum visits
Fun Facts About the Periodic Table
- Contains 118 known elements
- Organized by atomic number
- Predicts properties of undiscovered elements
- 75% of elements are metals
- Elements in same column share properties
Quiz
- Who is considered the father of the periodic table?
- How many elements are currently known?
- What year was the first periodic table published?
- Which element was named after Mendeleev?
(Answers: 1. Dmitri Mendeleev, 2. 118, 3. 1863, 4. Mendelevium)
FAQs
- Why is the periodic table important? It organizes elements and predicts their properties
- How are elements arranged? By increasing atomic number
- What are groups and periods? Columns (groups) and rows (periods) organizing elements
Importance of the Day
The celebration promotes scientific literacy, honors chemical discoveries, and inspires future generations of scientists. It highlights the periodic table’s role in understanding matter and advancing technology.
Related Days
- National Chemistry Week
- Science Education Day
- International Day of Women in Science
- World Science Day