150th anniversary of the Periodic Table; the genius behind the discoveries

To some, the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is the stuff that high school exam nightmares are made from. To others, it represents enormously important scientific discoveries.

Simply put, the table is a cataloging tool that enables scientists to predict the existence and properties of matter on earth and in the universe itself. It has been called “one of the most significant achievements in science,” and scientists point out that the table reflects not only chemistry, but the fundamental qualities of physics and biology, too.

Dmitri Mendeleev, a Russian chemist, was credited with the discovery of the table when he devised a way to not only diagram known elements but also to allot spaces for elements not yet discovered. The periodic table’s design and use as a predictive tool for determining the composition of the universe is considered its genius.

This year marks the 150th anniversary since Mendeleev “discovered” the Periodic System. Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss its significance in past and future discoveries is Catherine T. “Katie” Hunt, Ph.D., former R&D director, Rohm and Haas/Dow Chemical Company and a Past President, American Chemical Society (ACS).
Catherine T. “Katie” Hunt, Ph.D., former R&D director, Rohm and Haas/Dow Chemical Company and a Past President, American Chemical Society (ACS).

Catherine T. “Katie” Hunt, Ph.D., appears on Smart Talk October 3, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Hunt)

Is it time to update PA’s science curriculum?

Think about how much the world has changed in the past 20 years. Now, narrow that change down to just science – how much technology has made our lives and many other aspects of life on this planet different in the last two decades. Picture how much more we know about the Earth, space, communication, diseases and illnesses, human ancestry and other animal species — all through scientific research.

Then, there is perhaps the most significant science project of all – climate change.

Why focus on the changes of the past generation? Because, that’s about how long it’s been since the science curriculum in Pennsylvania’s public schools has been updated.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has begun a review of the state’s science standards. These standards serve as the basis for curriculum development and instruction in schools. The Department will evaluate the standards against the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which are aligned with current research and practices.

Carla Zembal-Saul
Carla Zembal-Saul, Ph.D., Professor Penn State College of Education, Science Education, appears on Smart Talk, October 2, 2019.

Appearing on Smart Talk Thursday to discuss science education are Matt Stem, Deputy Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Carla Zembal-Saul, Ph.D., Professor Penn State College of Education, Science Education, and Jeff Remington, who is one of ten National STEM Teacher Ambassadors from a program administered by The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and funded by the National Science Foundation and a science teacher at Palmyra Middle School.

Dep. Sec. Matt Stem and Jeff Remington
Dep. Sec. Matt Stem and Jeff Remington

How can cities raise revenue without raising taxes?

Pennsylvania cities are classified for governance based on the size of their population. Most cities in the state are designated as third class, with populations less than 250 thousand.

According to state law, third class cities are required to provide certain public services but when it comes to funding those services their authority to raise revenue is restricted.

Local city leaders are calling on state government to help solve this financial dilemma through local government reform.

Appearing on Smart Talk Tuesday to discuss revenue reform options are Republican state Senator Scott Martin of Lancaster and Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace.

Also, anyone with a family pet understands what it is like to look into their eyes and wonder what they might be thinking. A movie released in August goes one step further and gives voice to the family pet.

Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a story narrated by the family dog, Enzo. His casual observations chronicle family life as his owner marries and the family grows. The film is part racing movie and part dog movie. Through the family’s many ups and downs, Enzo is there to see it all.

Author Garth Stein joins Smart Talk to discuss his book-turned-movie and the reason for his upcoming visit to Central Pennsylvania.