Element Project

Assigned: Wednesday, August 29, 2007

DUE: Wednesday, September 26, 2007    

Project Description:

Elements are the building blocks of the universe. In order to appreciate the diversity of the over 100 known elements, you will each:

This project is worth 400 points allocated as follows:

  • Element cards
  • 250
  • Model
  • 110
  • Oral presentation
  •  40

A class period will be spent in the computer lab researching your elements. However, the element cards and model representing one of the elements will be a project to complete at home. You must use at least three sources in your research. The following websites are useful sources of information.

www.chemicool.com

(Click any element to find out information on that element)

www.chemicalelements.com

www.chem4kids.com

www.webelements.com

www.chemsoc.org/viselements

(Photographic representations of each element are available from the Visual Elements Website)

ELEMENT CARD REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Use assigned paper color and card template. The template will be on my web page. An element card for Lithium is attached as an example.
  2. Include one illustration related to your element. You can make your own drawings or use pictures or photocopies. This can be glued onto the completed element card. If appropriate, you could attach a sample of your element if it is readily available.
  3. All information must be in your own words and factually correct.

  1. Create a catchy or humorous title for your card. Some examples are:

REQUIREMENTS FOR ATOMIC MODEL OF ELEMENT

Students will make a three-dimensional model of an atom of ONE of their elements. This model will reflect the parts of the atom with the nucleus and the energy levels.  The model will show the correct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

The model will be constructed so it can hang from the ceiling. Suggestions for materials are wire, beads, ball bearings, durable string, Styrofoam, Christmas tree balls, etc. Be creative with your choice of materials but do not use perishable or heavy materials.

RUBRIC

ELEMENT CARDS

  • Cards use the template provided
  • 30
  • Cards are assigned color
  • 10
  • Correct spelling and grammar
  • 10
  • Informational requirements
    • Catchy or humorous title (Be creative!)
    • 10
    • Picture of element on upper right corner
    • 15
    • Name and symbol
    • 10
    • Atomic number and atomic mass
    • 10
    • Group name
    • 10
    • Electrons
    • 10
    • Properties
    • 20
    • State in standard conditions
    • 10
    • Appearance
    • 10
    • Conductivity
    • 10
    • Color
    • 10
    • Melting point and boiling point
    • 10
    • Discovery
    • 15
    • Reactions
    • 20
    • Sources
    • 10
    • Uses of the element
    • 15
    • Student name in lower left corner
    •  5

250

 

ORAL PRESENTATION (See attached rubric)

40

MODEL OF ATOM OF ONE ELEMENT

  • Correct number of protons and neutrons
  • 30
  • Correct number of electrons in their correct shell
  • 30
  • Different colors for different particles with a color key
  • 15
  • Construction allows model to hang from the ceiling
  • 15
  • Creativity
  • 20

         110

Creativity  - 20 points

Accuracy, neatness and attractiveness count!

Category

4

3

2

1

3-D Construction-

Materials

Appropriate materials were selected and creatively modified in ways that made them accurately resemble the atomic structure.

Appropriate materials were selected and there was an attempt at creative modification to resemble the atom.

Appropriate materials were selected. Resemblance to the atomic structure was poor.

Inappropriate materials were selected and contributed to a product that did not resemble the atomic structure.

Construction-

Care taken

Great care was taken in the construction process so the model is neat and attractive.

Construction was careful and accurate for the most part but 1-2 details could have been refined for a more attractive model.

Construction was adequate but 3-4 details could have been refined for a more attractive model.

Construction is careless. Many details need refinement for a more attractive model.

Oral Presentation  -  40 points

Your presentation should last 1-3 minutes (1 – Acceptable; 3 – Exceptional ). You should summarize the main points covered in your element cards. You may refer to one index card for cues. The following rubric will be used to grade your presentation:

Category

4

3

2

1

Speaks clearly

Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-90%) the time. Very prepared for presentation. Does not read from element  cards.

Presentation lasts 3 – 4 minutes

 

Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-90%) the time. Prepared for presentation

Only reads from element cards briefly for cues.

Presentation lasts 1-3 minutes

Speaks clearly and distinctly most (100-80%) of the time. Somewhat prepared for presentation. Reading mostly from element cards.

Presentation lasts 1-3 minutes

Often mumbles or cannot be understood. Is not prepared for presentation and reads directly from element cards. Presentation lasts less than 1 minute or longer than 5 minutes

Posture and eye contact

Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone.

Stands up straight and establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.

Sometimes stands up straight and establishes eye contact.

Slouches and/or does not look at people during the presentation.

BACKGROUND:

There are three pieces to an atom:

There are many elements in the Periodic Table. Over 115! The thing that makes these elements different is the number of protons, neutrons and electrons.

[Image: Atom Description Graphic]

ELECTRONS

As the electrons spin around the nucleus, they move within energy levels called

shells.

Scientists use letters to name the shells k,l,m,n,o,p & q.  k is the closest to the nucleus and q is furthest away.

Each shell can hold the following number of electrons:

k – 2

o - 32

l – 8

p - 32

m – 18

q - 32

n - 32