Chemistry Project

Just a friendly reminder the Chemistry project is due this Wednesday, November 18th. Your child should have the slip of paper they chose 4 weeks ago. I have been receiving many emails asking about what element scholars have chosen. This was a project given 4 weeks ago. The following is the handout given to scholars. I have also given many scholars multiple copies (2 or 3) since they have lost the originals. The learning advice is what I will be looking at when grading scholars' books.

Atomic Structure

Web quest Project

Due: Wednesday, November 18, 2015

You are an author trying to increase the popularity of your children’s reference book series. To do this your publisher has indicated that there are not enough science books written specifically written for children on the topic of the periodic table.

Write a children book appropriate for a first or second grade child on the topic of the element you are assigned. The format of your book should include:

Cover: the book’s cover should have the name of your atom, your name, and class.

Table of Contents: One page long listing the interesting stuff you’ve put in your book and the page it can be found on.

Basic Information: On a separate page, discuss each of the 5 pieces of information listed below. 

1.  The atomic number, the atomic mass, symbol, a simplified drawing of the atomic nucleus (color code the particles).

2.  A short history of the element

3.  What it looks like in its pure form (computer picture or drawn) and its physical state at room temperature (solid, liquid, gas)

4.  Discuss how common the element is in nature and where it is commonly found.

5.  Discuss two common uses for the element.

Compounds that the atom can make:

Include 2 compounds that can be made using the element; giving their names, formulas, picture (chemical/molecular and common appearance) and what they are used for (1 page for each compound)

When your book is complete, it should be 9 pages long including the cover page.

Below is a list of teacher-approved websites to help you find the information you need to complete your children's book.

Remember: classroom handouts, worksheets, and your textbook are also great resources to help you with this assignment.

Web Elements
Links to Periodic Tables
LennTech Periodic Table
History of the Elements from Los Alamos National Laboratory 
History of Chemistry
Natural Science Page - Atomic Structure
Photographic Periodic Table
Environmental Chemistry.com's Periodic Table
Elementymology
Chem4Kids
ChemicalElements.com
Online College Libraries: Chemistry for Kids

Make a list of everything you need to know about the element. Use this checklist as you construct your book. Points will be deducted for missed information. Take a look at the grading rubric that is included at the end of the web quest so you have an idea of what you should include in your checklist

Learning Advice

Be sure that your project is:

Chemically accurate: now is not the time to make stuff up. While creativity is appreciated, don't lose points supplying incorrect information in trying to get the project done faster.

Neatly done: it doesn't need to be done on the computer, however, hand written books need to be written neatly with clear printing. White out is a bad thing. If you make a mistake on a page, start over!

Correctly spelled: one point will be deducted per misspelled word. If you are not sure about the spelling, look it up, or use spell check.

Done to specifications: the finished size should be 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. That is the size of standard printer paper, folded in half.

Colorful: but not distractingly so.

On time: there will be a full letter grade deduction per day late.