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Didattica e divulgazione della chimica

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Chimica nella Scuola n. 3 2026

Archè: la chimica va in scena per raccontare l’evoluzione del concetto di elemento e di atomo

  • Marco Caruso
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1473/460x1z74
Submitted
26 August 2026
Published
26 August 2026

Abstract

This paper presents Archè, a theatre-science project devoted to the historical development of the concept of chemical element. The performance adopts a dialogical and narrative structure that retraces the evolution of this concept from presocratic philosophy and alchemical traditions to the emergence of modern chemistry, the formulation of the periodic law and its interpretation within the quantum model of the atom. The article outlines the structure and contents of the project and discusses its educational potential within secondary school contexts. Particular attention is given to the way key scientific concepts, such as the operational definition of element in modern chemistry, the periodic classification of elements and the quantum interpretation of atomic structure are translated into theatrical language. By integrating historical reconstruction, scientific explanation and performative narration, Archè highlights the cultural dimension of chemistry and illustrates the progressive and historically situated nature of scientific knowledge.

References

  1. [1] G. Roncallo, G. Battistin, Archè – Teatro‑Scienza (materiali originali non pubblicati), 2025.
  2. [2] P. Levi, Il sistema periodico, Einaudi, Torino, 1975.

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