The Table Table in Madrone Hall

Photo Credit: Concrete Counter top Institute

Hidden between the walls of Madrone Hall's courtyard lies a special table. This is no ordinary picnic table, this is a table of elements, the periodic table of elements that is. Known to most as the "Table Table" this picnic table has the periodic table of elements embedded in it.

The Periodic Table of Elements is an arrangement of chemical elements. The table is organized on the basis of their atomic numbers, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. The elements are presented in order of increasing atomic number.

The table project began in 2009 when Madrone Hall was being built. Physics professor, Greg Mulder,was in charge of the making of the table.

The table is made of four concrete layers and it took nearly a year to make. It was made by Preben Petersen of Concrete Lifestyle in San Jose, Calif.

Photo Credit: Concrete Counter top Institute

The cost of the table was $4,000. "That might sound like a lot for a table, but a regular table of this capacity would be $2,000, so another $2,000 was worth it," said Mulder.

"[The Table] combines science and art," said Mulder. "The table is perfect viewing from the second floor, which is where chemistry classes are mostly taught."

"I honestly didn't know [LBCC] had a actual periodic table table," said first-year student Christine Turner.
"Its very interesting, and unique."

Photo Credit: Justin Williams

The table is surrounded by native plants and sits on a leaf-shaped concrete slab. Outlined around the slab is cement blocks from the previous science building. "We recycled a lot for this area," said Mulder.

Mulder also has three small prototype stools, that sit in his office, that were made to see how they could make the table.

The table, which has diminished in appeal due to weather and wear and tear,serves as a great symbol of Chemistry in Madrone Hall.

-- At A Glance --
Where: Madrone Hall Courtyard
What: Picnic Table with Periodic Tables of Elements
Cost: $4,000
Fun Fact: Currently, scientists know of 118 different elements.