[LogicX]

So for my inorganic class we need to know the periodic table by heart, as we will not be getting one on our tests.  While memorizing groups and periods in order doesn't hold that much practical sense (it would be much better to be able to just recall any element by it's number along with it's placement in the table) it is the only practical way for me to do it so that I can puzzle out where an element is on the table and from there figure out it's electron configuration or something. 

For groups 1,2 and 13-18, I am memorizing the separate groups.  For the transition metals I have been trying to memorize them as periods (since I think it would be much more useful to know, say, the first row transition metals compared to a bunch of small groups with obscure elements like Seaborgium at the tail end of them all).

Does this sound like a good method?  This whole exercise seems silly to me, but I guess you have to start somewhere so that later on I will be able to easily recall any element.

[Dan]

For groups 1,2 and 13-18, I am memorizing the separate groups.  For the transition metals I have been trying to memorize them as periods

Yeah, that's how I did it too - I did not have access to a periodic table in any of my exams either.

The groups 1,2;13-18 were easy, since the majority is (or was for me at that time) very familiar, so there were only a few gaps to fill at the heavier end of the groups. There are various mnemonics (google periodic table mnemonics) and you can always invent your own amusing/memorable versions.

An example is this one for the lanthanides:

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[Jorriss]

Maybe this isn't feasible but the way I memorized (most) of the periodic table was by using it for problems... I would of had a lot more trouble memorizing it just to memorize it.

[Yakimikku]

Personally, the way I memorized the periodic table was to practice drawing it out. Print out a bunch of blank tables and practice many times and on different days until you got it down. Then just review before every test as needed.

I think Dan has good advice with the mnemonics too.

If you can, I think it's stronger to memorize both groups and periods, even for the transition metals. The d electron count depends on the group, for instance, and thus I like to know the groups. One of them that I find easy to remember is Fe Ru Os (group because it sounds like "ferrous" or Fe(II).

Good luck!

[Raphael]

When I had to do it I printed out a large number of blank tables and filled them in.