Project

Downloads

• Teacher Guide.doc
• Teacher Guide.pdf
• Student Activity.doc
• Student Activity.pdf
• Rubrics.doc
• Rubrics.pdf
• Signup Sheet.doc
• Signup Sheet.pdf
  

Submitted by
Kassie Cusachs
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
Kenner, Louisiana

Thanks to
Dow Chemistry Teacher Summit

Summary

In this project, students will first work with a partner to select a common element from the periodic table to research. They will create a video using iPods to present their research and they will access the Aurasma app on iPods to upload their video. Students will create a trigger image using a picture of the element from the periodic table. Secondly, the students will use the Aurasma App to scan a different element’s trigger image and will use information from another group’s video to construct a model that replicates the atomic structure for the selected element.

Grade Level

Middle school

Objectives

By the end of this project, students should be able to

• Explain the basic structure of an atom, including location of nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons.
• Collect and understand basic information pertaining to a specific element, including such things as boiling point, melting point, element classification and origin of element name.
• Create an atomic model that replicates the atomic structure for a selected element
• Successfully use the Aurasma App to create an informational video

Chemistry Topics

This project supports students’ understanding of

• Atomic Structure
• Model of the Atom
• Periodic Table
• Elements

Time

Teacher Preparation: minimal

Lesson: 2-3 block classes

Materials

• iPod (or any app enabled device)
• Internet accessible device for research
• Student supplied materials to construct atom (i.e. cotton balls, pipe cleaners, construction paper)

Safety

• No specific safety precautions need to be observed for this activity.

Teacher Notes

• Print student sign-up sheet (to select element).
• Teacher should be familiar with the Aurasma app prior to the activity.
• Aurasma app needs to be installed and verified on all devices prior to the start of the activity.
• The teacher should review how to use the Aurasma App with the class prior to beginning the project.
• Students need to know how to record video using a mobile device.
• Teacher should distribute rubric prior to activity.
• Students should have basic knowledge of atomic structure as well as the Bohr Model prior to completing this project. Anther models that may want to be considered for this project is the electron cloud model.
• Differentiation: Teacher can extend time period if needed. Heterogeneous grouping of students is suggested.
• I suggest using 2-3 days for this project:
  • Day 1: Research selected element using worksheet. Record student research using iPod.
  • Day 2/3: Access research from other group and create atomic model using student-supplied materials.
• The information provided in the “Background” information section on the student handout is from the science textbook:
  
  Dispezio, M. A., Holt McDougal., & Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. (2012). Science fusion. Orlando, FL: Holt McDougal/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

For the Student

Background

An atom is the smallest particle of an element that has the chemical properties of that element. An atom is the basic unit of matter and is too small to be seen with an ordinary microscope. Atoms combine in various ways to make up the substances we encounter every day. From the 19^th century until today, a number of scientists have contributed to the atomic theory. The current model of the atoms shows electrons, which are negatively charged, move within a region around a positively charged nucleus. This region is known as the electron cloud. The nucleus contains neutrons, which have no charge, and protons with have a positive charge.

Prelab Questions

1. Explain how the number of electrons relates to the number of protons in an atom.
   
   
   
2. Explain the difference between atomic number and mass number.
    

Objective

Construct a model that replicates the atomic structure for a selected element from the periodic table.

Procedure

PART 1

1. With a partner, select one common element to research from the periodic table.
2. Use an internet accessible device to research the chosen element. You will complete the Fact Sheet for collecting information.
3. Use the camera app to record a video presenting your research.
4. Open the Aurasma app. Upload your video.
5. Take a picture of your element on the periodic table to be used as the trigger image.

PART 2

1. Open the Aurasma App. Scan a DIFFERENT element’s trigger image. View the student submitted video. Record data using your fact sheet.
2. Construct a Bohr model of the atom that replicates the atomic structure for the selected element. **Review rubric before beginning**

Analysis

1. What engineering practices did you use when building your atomic model?
   
   
2. How did technology enhance your learning in this activity?

Start a conversation about this resource