Abstract:

In 2019, 150 years have passed since the creation of the Periodic Table, and the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this year as the International Year of the Periodic Table. The Periodic Table, as an icon of chemistry, represents the central character of this science in its interfaces with other areas of scientific knowledge and technologies. The celebration decreed by the United Nations was an opportunity to show the centrality of chemistry and its role in solving the significant problems of humanity, from a perspective of sustainable development, in the areas of environment, energy, food, and health. The celebrations also promoted society's awareness of the role of chemistry as a science that promotes development and well-being and motivates new generations towards careers in science and technology. The various activities developed for elementary and secondary school students began with the formation of a human Periodic Table to raise awareness among young people and the general public of the importance of this icon of Chemistry.

Furthermore, planting 118 trees in a city park on Carbon Day, March 21 (International Day of Forests), was intended to maintain the sustainability emphasis of international celebrations, highlighting, on this Carbon Day, the fundamental role of trees in carbon fixation (atmospheric CO2). Besides, this initiative aimed to alert the community, especially young people, to the influence of vegetation in reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Besides planting the trees, the students also participated in a competition where they had to answer quizzes about the greenhouse gas effect, atmospheric chemistry, and the role of vegetation in depleting CO2 from the atmosphere. The construction of a king-size TP puzzle was also an activity proposed to the young participants.

The students participated enthusiastically in all activities proposed. These events simultaneously celebrated Chemistry and the importance of sustainability in the balance of our planet!

Keywords:

International Year of the Periodic Table, basic and secondary students, sustainability.