by Miss Barsevich

based on the WebQuest by Miss Stefaniak (http://www.ufrsd.k12.nj.us/staffwww/stefanl/index.htm)

You are a chemist who has just discovered a new element. Your job will be to present your new discovery to an audience of 5th graders. To do this you will work with an author of children's books to create a book that will introduce your new discovery to these young scientists. Your book should include all of the basic information about the element that you've discovered. You must make your book appeal to a young audience.

Task

After you gather your information and transform it into concepts that 5th graders understand, you will be required to use Publisher to compile your final project. You will show your book to the class as well as present the information orally to the class.

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Process

Write a children's book appropriate for a 5th grade child on the element you have discovered. The format of the book should include:

Cover: the book's cover should include the name of the element, its symbol, and your name.

Table of Contents: list the highlights of your book in a creative way and limit yourself to one page.

Basic Information: atomic number, atomic mass, symbol, drawing of the atom (distinguish between the protons, neutrons and electrons). Your description of the element should include how it was discovered, where it is found in nature, how common it is, its physical state at room temperature as well as its appearance and odor (if any), and its chemical properties. You should describe at least two common uses for the element. (4 or more pages)

Compounds that contain the element: include two compounds. Give their name, chemical formula, and what they are used for. Also, compare and contrast the properties of the element with the properties of one of the compounds. (2 or more pages)

Safety: create your own material safety data sheet for one of the compounds that you've selected. Explain what is dangerous about this chemical compound and what safety measures should be taken when handling it. (1 page)

Interesting fact: include a brief description of something interesting that you've learned about your element in your search.

Glossary: your glossary should include at least ten words included in your book with appropriate definitions. Color code the words of the glossary in your book. Don't define

General Guidelines

Make a checklist of everything that you need to include in your book. Points will be deducted for any missing information. Before completing your book, look at the grading rubric at the end of the webquest to make sure that you have included everything.

Be sure that the project has integrated the following points:

Accuracy: be sure that the information you are including in your book is correct. Points will be lost for incorrect information.

Neatness: it needs to be done on the computer.

Spelling: use spell check or look up a word. One point will be deducted for every misspelled word.

Creativity: be as creative as you can. It should attract the eye of a 5th grader.

Time: for every day that the project is late, there will be a full letter grade deducted.

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Evaluation

Points	Description
3	The name of your element on the cover.
3	The symbol of the element on the cover.
2	Your name on the cover.
6	Table of contents.
4	Atomic number of your element.
4	Atomic mass of your element.
5	Drawing of the atom distinguishing between protons, neutrons and electrons.
3	Number of protons in the nucleus.
3	Number of neutrons in the nucleus.
3	Number of electrons outside the nucleus.
6	How was it discovered?
6	Where is it found in nature? Is it easily found?
3	Physical state at room temperature.
4	Physical properties: appearance and odor?
4	Chemical properties.
7	One common use for the element.
7	Another common use for the element.
8	What is the name, formula and uses for a compound containing your element?
8	What is the name, formula, and uses for another compound containing your element?
6	Compare and contrast the properties of one of the compounds with the properties of your element.
3	Create a material safety data sheet for one of the compounds.
4	Describe the hazards of the compound.
4	Explain what safety measures you should take when handling this compound.
6	Briefly describe something interesting that you've discovered about your element.
20	Glossary of a minimum of ten words in your book.
8	Creativity and color.
10	Oral presentation.

 

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Conclusion

Now that you have introduced your discovery to an audience of 5th graders, your element won't seem so new to everyone. You may want to create a collection of children's books with your future discoveries.

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References

Chemistry for Kids
Safety
Chemical Elements
Web Elements
Nifty clip art
Clipart Connection
Environmental Chemistry.com's Periodic Table
Google.com Search Engine

Credits

Atom from Microsoft Clip Art gallery