The Periodic Table of the Elephants

摘要

The periodic table is not only a classification system for allof the elements, but also a source of inspiration for creativity inthe classroom and outreach to the public. When the studentsof Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts in Dundalk,MD were challenged to submit an entry for the District of Co-lumbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities' (DCCAH)2002 "Party Animals" public art campaign, they rose to theoccasion. The play on words with "elephant" and "element" ledthem to their idea, which was to create a "Periodic Table of theElephants" for display in DC. One hundred elephants and onehundred donkeys were commissioned by DCCAH and paintedby local artists. They were placed around the city, becoming thelargest public art project in the history of our nation's capital.