Cortz Technique

This paper presents the Cortz Technique, a mathematical approach to determining electron configuration for any element across the periodic table (Z = 1 to 118). Developed independently by Gabriel Yoan L. Cortez, a student teacher from Barangay Dila, Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, the technique was created out of a desire to make electron configuration genuinely learnable rather than merely memorizable. The Cortz Technique replaces the traditional Aufbau memorization process with a simple arithmetic navigation system using cumulative subshell reference values. By identifying two reference points — the Nearest Lowest (NL) and Nearest Highest (NH) cumulative values relative to an element's atomic number — any electron configuration can be derived through basic subtraction alone. No diagonal arrow diagrams, no rote memorization of individual configurations, and no prior chemistry intuition is required beyond the reference value list. The technique was verified by a supervising teacher at Balibago National High School (BNHS) and successfully taught to approximately 250 students. Quantum exceptions governed by established principles such as half-filled and fully-filled subshell stability fall outside the scope of this system by design, operating as an independent external module. A review of existing literature confirms no equivalent arithmetic-based navigation system for electron configuration has been previously published, suggesting this represents an original contribution to chemistry education methodology. Keywords: electron configuration, Aufbau principle, chemistry education, mathematical shortcut, pedagogy, Cortz Technique