Adopt an Element 8th Grade Scien

Adopt an Element
8th Grade Science - Breedlove and Thurmond

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.

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:

· What are my element's properties?

· What is the name of the group/family my element belongs to and what are the group’s characteristics?

· How does it exist and how is it used in its pure form?

· Is my element readily available?

· Is it needed for health or harmful health?

· How/with what does my element combine to form other useful substances?

· Is it combined with other elements to form compounds? If so, describe the compound(s).

· Who discovered my element?

2. Information Seeking:

Please watch this interactive periodic chart first!

Textbook pages 302-317
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

3. Present:

Your teacher will give you a colored sheet of paper to represent your element.
Display your element’s chemical symbol in the center of the paper (leave enough room to write other information!).
Creatively include your answers to the above questions on the paper (you may use front and back) for your presentation to the class.

4. 1-Page 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?

DUE DATE: Monday, September 24

RUBRIC – Please check the quality of your work before you present!

Total Possible pts.	Category	4 A	3 B	2 C	1 D or F	Total Pts.
25	Poster Content	I answered all 8 questions.	I answered 7 of 8 questions.	I answered 6 of 8 questions.	I answered 5 or less of the questions.
25	Poster Appearance	My element is clearly labeled, and I included 10 details.	My element is labeled and I included 8 details.	My element is labeled and I included 6 details.	My element isn’t labeled and I included 5 or less details.
25	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 *APA Format includes:* * Font: Times New Roman Size: 12 Margins: 1 in. *Paragraphs: Double Spaced	My essay is imaginative and uses 10 facts about my element.	My essay is imaginative and uses 8 facts about my element.	My essay is imaginative, but I included only 6 facts about my element.	My essay is not imaginative, and I included 3 or less facts about my element.
					Total pts.