An Individual Look at the Elements
by Robyn Vaughan, rvaughan@ebrschools.org

Content Area(s)
Science

Grade Level(s)
9, 

Overview
Students individually use ChemTable on their handhelds to research and compare information about 3 different elements on the Periodic Table. Additional information will be researched to determine how elements are used in real life. Students will use Sketchy to create a slideshow about their element.

Software
ChemTable a free download from http://www.freewarepalm.com. Tapping on any of the element boxes in the Periodic Table will bring up a dialog showing a list of physical/chemical properties. Only half of the Periodic Table can be viewed at a time. To switch between the two sections, click on the left or right arrow buttons.
Excel
Sketchy

Technology
Handheld
Projection device-Margi

Objectives
PS-M-A1
The student will be able to determine that all atoms of the same element are similar to but different from atoms of other elements
The student will be able to determine of the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in a given element.

Procedures
Prior to the lesson
Download ChemTable from http://www.freewarepalm.com and beam it to all classroom handhelds
Run of copies of handout, “An Individual Look at the Elements.”
Set up projection equipment

Day 1
Break students into groups of 3 and assign each group a different element to research. Individually they will use ChemTable located on their handhelds to locate information requested on the handout, “An Individual Look at the Elements.”
Students will return to their groups and compare the differences between their elements.
Groups will take turns individually inserting information into the teacher’s excel spreadsheet that is connected to the projector
The teacher will sort the information by melting point and ask if there is any relationship between the melting point, boiling point and classification of the elements.


Day 2
Students will go to http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/periodic-table/uses.html to locate how their element is used in everyday life. Students will then use Sketchy to present a slide presentation to the class.

Other Supporting Material
An%20Individual%20Look%20at%20the%20Elements

Submitted on: 11/24/2004 9:31:41 AM