Element Project Description
 

 

The purpose of this assignment is to introduce students to the elements of the periodic table and to the fundamental structure of the atom.


It is meant to be a fun and visual project. Creativity is encouraged.

The outcome of this project will be a shoe box "kiosk" about your element, featuring:

--a title card summarizing the information about your element.
--a three dimensional model of the element to reside in the classroom, sized to fit in a shoe box
--an inspiration project about your element printed out to accompany your model
-- a works cited reference sheet

Date Assigned:- December 5, 2008

Days in class to work on project: 6-7, 40 minute periods (depends on your schedule)
You will need to bring 50 note cards to class on Monday December 8th for taking notes.

Due Dates:
December 15th, 2008 - in class , show note cards and outline start concept map start,
I will check these so that you are ready for the next step, building an inspiration concept map.
Inspiration completed and printed by Thursday December 18th
January 6th, 2009 bring your shoe box and concept map to school - deliver to room 236 for safe keeping
The method for researching this project is outlined below.....

Note card technique here

Works Cited format here

Part I. Get an overview of the elements. (Not included in the inspiration)
locate the following information in your textbook or class notes

A. The definition of a chemical element

B. What the Periodic Table is

C. How the Periodic Table is used

Part II. Select one chemical element and investigate the following:
(this information will go on your note cards and eventually on your concept map a fictious example here)
locate the following information in library books at PCDS

A. History of your elements discovery and use

B. Physical Properties of your element.

C. Chemical Properties of your element.

D. Biography of your elements discoverer

E. Minerals that your element appears in

Part III. Check the periodical indexes for recent developments relating to your element.
locate this information in periodicals and on the web
(start here with the useful links - chemistry, not all students will find all the information)

A. Medicinal or Nutritional applications or hazards of your element

B. Recent discoveries / Modern uses

C. Other Current Information about your element

Part IV. Construct a Three- Dimensional model of your element. see mobile tips for ideas
examples of good projects are in the class room.

The model will hang from the top of your shoe box.

The model should be accurate and show the correct number of subatomic particles: electrons, protons and neutrons.

The model should show the correct size relationships between electrons, protons and
neutrons. (realistic - but not absolute, that would be impossible :)

The model should be your own creation. Not store bought or built by another person. The model may not be made of edible materials such as jellybeans or raisins, creative and recycled materials are encouraged!

The model must be labeled with the name, symbol, etc. and Your Name.

Part V. OPTIONAL Bring in an example of your element

Part VI. Be prepared to give a one minute talk about your research at the element fair.

This will include visual aids, such as your inspiration concept map, and / or samples
of your element. Make this fun!!

Part VII. Create a paper title card summarizing the important facts about your element for the lid of your shoe box

Requirements for Title card:

name, element name, some interesting and eye catching facts. This title card must be typed, or neatly handwritten, art is encouraged.

Type a works cited page to glue on the back of your box.

Bibliography Requirements :

1. General encyclopedia article. See Encyclopedia Britannica - online

2. Reference book article ( other than encyclopedia )

3. Book from the PCDS collection

4. Magazine or newspaper article may be an online article

5. Online information. See PCDS useful links - chemistry to start

 

 pcds homepage

 useful links

 sci 8 web site