Element Project

Background :  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-1800’s that a Russian chemist by the name of Dmitri Mendeleev recognized hidden patterns that could be used to organize the elements.  Mendeleev’s 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 others are man-made.

Task:  Your task is to research an element using your textbook, the library, an encyclopedia, the Internet, and other appropriate resources.  The information obtained will be portrayed graphically by creating either a poster or a computer generated presentation using Power Point. This must be on a thumb drive or media that can be turned in to the teacher.  Google Docs needs to be checked ahead of time. The project will be presented to the class.  The element must be a naturally occurring element.  Elements will be chosen on a first come, first serve basis during class.  All required information must be included.

Required Information: Use this as a check list for your completed project.

            _____ -Element name

            _____ -Element symbol

            _____ -Element number

            _____ -Element mass (most common isotope)

            _____ -Number of protons

            _____ -Number of electrons

            _____ -Number of neutrons

            _____ -Number of energy levels

            _____ -Oxidation numbers

            _____ -Type of element (metal, nonmetal, or metalloid)

            _____ -Physical state at 20º C.

            _____ -Melting point

            _____ -Boiling point

            _____ -Date of discovery or origin

            _____ -Who discovered or identified the element

            _____ -Origin and/or history of its name and symbol

            _____ -Common and commercial uses

            _____ -Biological importance- how is element used in biological (living) processes.

            _____    -Fun facts

 You should include additional information or interesting facts that pertain to your element.  Any pictures should have source cited.

     Due date:  This project will be due the week of  November 13^th  when you present to the class.  Projects may be turned in earlier if completed.  Don’t forget MLA.