Much more than a list of elements, the periodic table is a snapshot of how matter is organized on Earth and throughout the universe. Divided into five sections, this program looks at the history and components of the periodic table: The History of the Periodic Table (from the atomos of Democritus to the atoms of Mendeleev); Metals (how to read the periodic table, transition metals, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals); Lanthanides, Actinides, and Transuranium Elements (properties of lanthanides and actinides, transuranium and transfermium elements); The BCNOs (properties of metalloids, other metals, and nonmetals); and Halogens and Noble Gases (properties and applications of halogens and noble gases). A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. A part of the series Essential Chemistry. (24 minutes)