Elements of the Periodic Table

Elementary, My Dear Watson

Indicator 4.8.1 Identify common elements and explain that the elements are composed of atoms with different numbers of neutrons, protons and electrons.
Chemistry That Applies: Lesson 3
Every day we come into contact with substances which affect our personal lives. Most of us know little about them other than their common name. Examples include glass, nylon, sugar, gasoline, etc. If we examine common substances, we can discover a better understanding of them. This may improve our health, assist in cleaning up our environment, and upgrade out standard of living.

A - Ask Questions
Research an element  to answer questions such as the following:
What is the common name for your element? Does it have a Latin name? Does the symbol resemble the name?
Use an atomic model to find the correct number of protons, neutrons, energy levels and electrons.
Has your element been of special importance to particular cultures or ethnic groups?
How was your element discovered?
How has your element been used--both in the past, and today?
How or where can this element be found?
Identify physical or chemical properties (characteristics) of the element.

G - Gather Information
The following Internet sites will assist you in locating information for your topic. Be sure to cite each website you use in your bibliography. Also remember that you are required to use a print resource as well as an online source and you must use a minimum of three different sources for your research.
Los Alamos National Laboratory's Chemistry Division Presents:
http://periodic.lanl.gov/default.htm
A visual arts and science collaborative project supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry
http://www.chemsoc.org/viselements/pages/pertable_j.htm
Radiochemistry Society Periodic Table 
http://www.radiochemistry.org/periodictable/index.shtml
Jefferson Lab 
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/
The University of Sheffield and WebElements Ltd, UK 
http://www.webelements.com/

Yinon Bentor created Chemical Elements
http://www.chemicalelements.com/index.html

Environmental Chemistry
http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/periodic/
Chemicool
http://www.chemicool.com/
Element Tables
http://www.cs.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/nph-pertab/
University of Akron
http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/periodic_table/index.html
Fact Monster Periodic Table
http://www.factmonster.com/periodictable.php
Lenntech Periodic Table
http://www.lenntech.com/periodic-chart.htm

O - Organize Information
Take notes on your graphic organizer or packet note cards

P - Prepare Information
Your teacher will provide you with instructions about how to transfer the information from your notes to create a project "cube", a "Wanted Poster" or some other method ofdemonstrating your knowledge of your element.


P - Present Information
One of the major activities of science is to share your research with others so that they can learn from and question your findings. Scientists do this in many ways including writing articles, talking at meetings, giving slide presentations, preparing videos, etc. For this research assignment, you should discuss the information on  your element or substance "cubes" with your classmates.

E - Evaluate, Assess, Reflect
Evaluate (and have peers evaluate) your product and process at each step


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Last updated February 11, 2009

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