Adopt an Element
8th Grade Science - Breedlove and Thurmond
2nd and 3rd periods

S8P1. Students will examine the scientific view of the nature of matter.
a. Distinguish between atoms and molecules.
b. Describe the difference between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures.
c. Describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas states.
d. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as physical (i.e., density, melting point, boiling point) or chemical (i.e., reactivity, combustibility).
e. Distinguish between changes in matter as physical (i.e., physical change) or chemical (development of a gas, formation of precipitate, and change in color).
f. Recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have similar properties as shown on the Periodic Table of Elements.
g. Identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter.

PRINT VERSION - UPCYCLED VERSION

1.  Task: You are the proud new parent of...an element!  Your mission is to introduce your element to the entire class. 

Learn about your new adoptee:

  1. Who discovered my element?  How was it discovered?  What are my element's characteristics? 

  2. What group does my element belong to?  What period does my element belong to?

  3. Is my element used in its pure form?  If so, how?  How abundant is my element? 

  4. What are my element's uses?

  5. Does my element combine with other elements to form compounds?  If so, what compounds?

  6. Is it beneficial to health or harmful to health?

2. Information Seeking:

Please watch this interactive periodic chart first!

You must use at least 3 sources to answer the research questions.  Remember to cite your sources: you may copy/paste the URL (http:// website address) to your notes or write the title and author of a book. 

Note-taking sheet #1

Note-taking sheet #2

3.  Present:

4.  Essay (separate sheet of paper) 

Imagine that one day, out of nowhere, your element in the periodic table suddenly starts to disappear from the face of Earth. Depending on your element, the results could be cataclysmic. Write a fictionalized “firsthand” account of the day your element disappeared. (An example: the day Earth lost its iron—buildings crumble, bridges collapse, blood gradually becomes anemic, and so on.)  You will need to use your research on some of the basic uses of your element. Where does it appear in nature, if at all? How is it used by scientists, engineers, artists, doctors, and so on? Where is its presence crucial? How would life be different without it? Would life even be able to survive?

Paper Requirements:

TYPED

  • Font: Times New Roman

  • Size: 12

  • Margins: 1 in.

  • Paragraphs: Double Spaced

  • 1 page typed

 Handwritten:

Two pages

DUE DATE:  Wednesday, September 3

RUBRIC – Please check the quality of your work !

Total Possible pts.

Category

A

 

B

 

C

 

D

 

Total Pts.

35

Poster Content

(sources not cited  - 10 pts.)

I answered all 6 questions

I answered 5 of 6 questions

I answered 4 of 6  questions.

I answered 3 or less of the questions.

 

25

Poster Appearance

My element is clearly and creatively labeled.

My element is labeled and somewhat creative.

My element is  clearly labeled.

My element isn’t labeled clearly or creatively.

 

15

Presentation

My presentation clearly helped the class understand my element.

My presentation helped the class understand my element.

My presentation somewhat helped the class to understand my element.

My presentation did not help the class understand my element. (Not prepared!)

 

25

Essay

My essay is imaginative and uses 8 facts about my element.

My essay is imaginative and uses 6 facts about my element.

My essay is imaginative, but I included only 4 facts about my element.

My essay is not imaginative, and I included 3 or less facts about my element.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total pts.