Adopt an Element 8th Grade Scien

Adopt an Element
8th Grade Science - Breedlove and Thurmond
4th and 5th 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.

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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:

Who discovered my element?
How was it discovered?
What are my element's characteristics?
What group does my element belong to?
What period does my element belong to?
What are my element's uses?

2. Information Seeking:

Please watch this interactive periodic chart first!

Textbook pages 165-167, 712-713
Britannica for Middle (Compton's)
Britannica High
- Please note: If you are using Britannica at home, you will need the GALILEO password (see your assignment sheet).
http://www.chemicool.com
www.google.com
Any ‘links’ associated with your elements.

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 organizers:

3. Present:

Your teacher will give you a colored sheet of paper to represent your element.
The front of your paper must resemble the element box on the periodic table.
The back of your paper needs to creatively display the answers to the six research questions.

4. Descriptive Paragraph (separate sheet of paper)

Write a paragraph based on your research of your element. Include information answering the six research questions. You may include other interesting details that your found about your element.

Paper Requirements:

TYPED

Font: Times New Roman
Size: 12
Margins: 1 in.
Paragraphs: Double Spaced
1/2 page typed

Handwritten:

one page

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	Descriptive Paragraph	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.