Mendeleev Autobiography

Writing Assignment

Now that you have learned some basic facts about the history of the periodic table, pretend that you are Dmitri Mendeleev, the father of the periodic table. Write a 1 page or longer (typed, double-spaced) autobiography of your life and your work in researching the patterns of the elements.

Before you begin your writing, research the following questions. Be sure your autobiography answers these important questions! As always, be creative, and proofread for grammar and spelling. Your writing should be followed by a brief Works Cited page listing the sources you used to write your autobiography.

• Where and when were you born?
• In what years did you perform your research, and in what year did you publish your periodic table?
• What properties of the elements did you list as you began to organize the elements?
• Explain the process you used to help you design the first periodic table. Give details! By what property did you arrange the elements?
• How were you able to predict yet undiscovered elements?
• What changes were made to the periodic table after your discovery?

Here are some helpful web links to help you perform your research, although you are welcome to use books, periodicals, and magazines as well:

• Kiwi Web: Chemistry & New Zealand (www.chemistry.co.nz/mendeleev.htm)
• Dmitriy Mendeleev Online --- CONTAINS MANY LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES!!!! (www.chem.msu.su/eng/misc/mendeleev/)
• PBS Online: Stephen Hawking's Universe (www.thirteen.org/archive/hawking/cosmostar/html/cstars_mendel.html)
• CHEMystery: Periodic Table of the Elements (library.thinkquest.org/3659/pertable)
• Picture of Russian Rouble with picture of Dmitri Mendeleev (www.chem.msu.su/eng/misc/mendeleev/rouble.htm)
  

!!!!!   Link to MLA website for information on Works Cited format. !!!!!!!

Last updated on 4/18/00

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If you have any questions or comments, 
please e-mail D. Gibson, 
Grade 8 Science Teacher at 
dld1999@excite.com