Elemental+Survivor


 * 'Elemental Survivor' **

Elements serve as the building blocks of matter. Every element has characteristic properties. Based on these properties, elements are organized into 'groups' which are the basis of the periodic table of the elements. The periodic table is divided into two main sections: metals and nonmetals. The metals are to the left and center of the table, while the nonmetals are located on the right side. In between the metals and the nonmetals, you will find the metalloids, which have properties of both nonmetals and metals. There are 92 naturally occurring elements, and a whole bunch more that have been synthesized in the lab. Are all of these elements really necessary? The periodic table is awfully crowded. We're going to look very closely at some of these elements and see what use they actually have. Any element that can't pull it's own (atomic) weight risks being 'booted' off of the periodic table.


 * The Elements: ** Each group will be assigned one of the following elements.


 * nitrogen ** oxygen ** magnesium ** sulfur ** aluminum ** sodium ** calcium ** copper ** potassium ** iron ** silicon ** chlorine ** zinc **
 * Your Mission: ** Get to know your element.


 * Who? ** Classify your element as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid. Identify its properties based on this classification.


 * What? ** What good is the element? Find out what it's used for. If the only use you can find is that it is used to synthesize the hair on Barbie dolls, then don't expect it to make the cut (no pun intended).


 * When? ** Dig up some background information. Find out how this element was discovered, and by whom. Tell us a little about this person credited for the discovery of your element.


 * Where? ** Where is this element found in nature? In what form is it found? If it takes a whole lot of work to get this stuff out of the earth, well, maybe it's just not worth the trouble...


 * Why? ** Okay, here's where you have to provide compelling evidence as to why we should keep your element on the table. Why is your element the most useful, important, valuable? Does it have tons of potential for future uses? Or is it simply better looking than all the others?

Present your findings in your class blog: [|4th Period Survivor Blog] [|7th Period Survivor Blog] [|1st Period Survivor Blog]
 * The Smack-Down:** Take a look at an example of what your blog should look like in the [|'Elemental Survivor' blog.]


 * // Plagiarism is not acceptable //****// . //** Your blog entry must be in your own words! Cite the information you find by linking your blog to the website. Read the entries from all of the other groups. Comment on another group's entry, but keep it professional. You may comment on the information presented with regard to their element. You may raise a question to that group if you would like further clarification on what they've written. Or, if you found important information on another group's element, share it with them. The future of the periodic table relies on how well we are able to sort through the myriad of information, and it's in all of our best interest to make the right choices! Check out the blog before you get started. You'll see my example of carbon presented there. Check to make sure I hit all of the points...if I'm missing something, let me know. If there's something you don't understand, leave a comment so I can clarify!


 * Grading: ** The following rubric will be used to assess your work on this project.
 * || 10 Points  ||  7 Points  ||  4 Points  ||  2 Points  ||
 * Research Content || All five research areasare thoroughly discussed || All five research areasare addressed but information is incomplete || At least three research areasare addressed, but information is incomplete || Less than three research areasare addressed ||
 * Professionalism || Blog entryutilizes complete sentences, correct grammar, appropriate punctuation || Blog entry contains mostly complete sentences, some errors in grammar or punctuation || Blog entry contains incompleteor run-on sentences,errors in grammar or punctuation || Blog entry contains numerous errors in grammar, punctuation ||
 * Comments || Comments are appropriate, original, useful, constructive || Comments are original, but not constructive or useful to the group || Comments are unoriginal, lacking in substance, or inappropriate || No comments were posted ||
 * Resources:** Mrs. Maines' Wikispace