Atom / Element Project

http://www.scsc.k12.in.us/SMS/Teachers/Elliot/Elements%20WebQuest/Elements%20WebQuest.htm#RESOURCES

INTRODUCTION
For many years scientists searched for a way to organize the known elements of the universe onto a
useful chart or table. It was not until the mid-1800s that a Russian chemist by the name of Dmitri
Mendeleev recognized hidden patterns that could be used to organize the elements.

Mendeleev wrote down many of the known properties of each element on small pieces of paper. By
arranging the elements in order of their atomic mass he began to see patterns emerge. Although
today's Periodic Table is different from Mendeleev's, his Periodic Table became the first useful system for
the classification of the elements.

Each element on the Periodic Table has its own unique physical and chemical properties. Some of the
elements have important uses. Some were discovered a long time ago and some are man-made.

The Periodic Table of Elements is an important resource for scientists. It provides a wide range of
information about the elements. In this project, you will learn about one of these elements. You will
also learn how it fits into the arrangement of elements on the Periodic Table.

TASK
Your task in this project will be completed in several parts. You will select one of the elements on the
Periodic Table (Except Hydrogen or Helium and only one student per element – if more than one student
wants the same element, they will ‘flip a coin’). Using the Internet and other resources, you will
research your element. You will then create a 3-D model of the atom and an element tile to be a part of
a giant Periodic Table of Elements. You will also create a PowerPoint presentation about your element.
Finally you will give an oral report about your element to your classmates.

PROCESS
Part A: Element Tile

1. Using the Internet or other resources available in the library thoroughly research your element.
2. Create a 9” x 9” inch Element Tile (we will make it in class). Be sure to include the following:
 Element Symbol - Middle 3” high
 Element Name
 Atomic Number – upper left
 Atomic Mass – upper right
 Is it a solid, liquid or gas?
 Is it a metal, nonmetal or metalloid?
 Family Name or Rare Earth Element Series
 Who discovered it?
 When was it discovered?
 How is it used?
 Physical / Chemical Properties
 Facts (must have 3)
 Pictures / drawings are always fun to include…
 Part B: Model

1. The model should include the correct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. The element is clearly labeled on the model.
3. Creativity is evident in the creation of the model.

Part C: PowerPoint Presentation

Create a PowerPoint presentation about your element. Be sure to include the following:
 Must have at least 6 slides (no more than 8)
 All requirements for the Element Tile should be included in your PowerPoint presentation. (Be
able to provide detail and elaborate on each item)
 Make good use of graphics and animation (Don’t go wild. Including too many sounds or special
effects can be distracting to the audience.)
 Be sure to cite all sources for information and graphics.

Part D: Oral Report

You will give a 3 - 5 minute Oral Report about your element. You will display the atom model and
element tile that you made and use your PowerPoint presentation during your report. Be sure that all of
the items listed below are included during your report. Remember - the most important part of an Oral
Report is not how "fancy" you make your PowerPoint presentation. The most important part is YOU! Be
sure to prepare your presentation by rehearsing and practicing.

 When presenting be sure to speak toward the audience not the screen.
 Speak up! Talk loud enough for the people in the back of the room to hear you.
 Your presentation should be between 3 – 5 minutes in length. (No more than 5 min.)
 Don’t read what is on the screen. (The audience can do that.) Explain and elaborate.
Be an expert on your element. Be able to answer questions.
 ATOM / ELEMENT PROJECT RUBRIC

PROJECT PRESENTATION – ORAL REPORT

Category 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 point

Words Cannot understand Cannot understand
Most words
understandable. several words much of what is
understandable.
spoken.
Presentation
Can be easily heard Much of
Can be heard most
through out presentation too Very soft.
of the time.
presentation. soft to hear. Mumbling.
Presentation 2 - 3 Presentation 1 – 2 Presentation 1 – 0
minutes long. minutes long. minutes long.
Time Limit Presentation 3 – 5
(3 - 5 min. minutes long. (Presentation runs (Presentation runs (Presentation runs
required) over by 1 min. or over by more than over by more than
less.) 1 min.) 2 min.)
Very well rehearsed Delivery not
with smooth smooth. Obvious
Delivery is fair but it
delivery. lack of any
Needed to be is clear much more
rehearsal.
rehearsed 1 or 2 rehearsal was
Excellent Eye
times more but needed.
contact with the Little or no eye
delivery was fairly
audience. contact with the
Preparation and smooth. Fair eye contact.
audience.
Delivery
Screen is easily
Good eye contact. Could not see
seen throughout Audience attention
screen most of the
presentation. lost.
Screen can be seen. time.
(Presenter does not
block screen from Cannot see screen.
audience view)

PROJECT INFORMATION – MODEL / ELEMENT TILE /POWERPOINT

Category 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 point

Knowledge of Knowledge of
element is element is good.
Little or no
excellent.
Knowledge of knowledge of
Content of
element is fair. element.
Content / Content of PowerPoint
Organization PowerPoint presentation,
Content shows Content shows little
presentation, element tile, and
some organization. organization.
element tile, and model are
model are well organized.
organized
Some of the Few of the Little or none of the
All requirements of
requirements of requirements of requirements of
Requirements Parts A, B, and C
Parts A, B, and C Parts A, B, and C Parts A, B, and C
are clearly evident.
are clearly evident. are clearly evident. are clearly evident.
Presentation shows
Presentation shows Little or no
evidence of being Evidence of some
Research evidence of evidence of
very thoroughly research is shown.
adequate research. research shown.
researched.
 ATOM / ELEMENT PROJECT RUBRIC

PROJECT PRESENTATION – ORAL REPORT

Category 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 point

Words Cannot understand Cannot understand
Most words
understandable. several words much of what is
understandable.
spoken.
Presentation
Can be easily heard Much of
Can be heard most
through out presentation too Very soft.
of the time.
presentation. soft to hear. Mumbling.
Presentation 2 - 3 Presentation 1 – 2 Presentation 1 – 0
minutes long. minutes long. minutes long.
Time Limit Presentation 3 – 5
(3 - 5 min. minutes long. (Presentation runs (Presentation runs (Presentation runs
required) over by 1 min. or over by more than over by more than
less.) 1 min.) 2 min.)
Very well rehearsed Delivery not
with smooth smooth. Obvious
Delivery is fair but it
delivery. lack of any
Needed to be is clear much more
rehearsal.
rehearsed 1 or 2 rehearsal was
Excellent Eye
times more but needed.
contact with the Little or no eye
delivery was fairly
audience. contact with the
Preparation and smooth. Fair eye contact.
audience.
Delivery
Screen is easily
Good eye contact. Could not see
seen throughout Audience attention
screen most of the
presentation. lost.
Screen can be seen. time.
(Presenter does not
block screen from Cannot see screen.
audience view)

PROJECT INFORMATION – MODEL / ELEMENT TILE /POWERPOINT

Category 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 point

Knowledge of Knowledge of
element is element is good.
Little or no
excellent.
Knowledge of knowledge of
Content of
element is fair. element.
Content / Content of PowerPoint
Organization PowerPoint presentation,
Content shows Content shows little
presentation, element tile, and
some organization. organization.
element tile, and model are
model are well organized.
organized
Some of the Few of the Little or none of the
All requirements of
requirements of requirements of requirements of
Requirements Parts A, B, and C
Parts A, B, and C Parts A, B, and C Parts A, B, and C
are clearly evident.
are clearly evident. are clearly evident. are clearly evident.
Presentation shows
Presentation shows Little or no
evidence of being Evidence of some
Research evidence of evidence of
very thoroughly research is shown.
adequate research. research shown.
researched.