Download What`s Inside an Element

WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
(1 Hour)
Addresses NGSS
Level of Difficulty: 2
Grade Range: 3-5
OVERVIEW
In this activity, students will learn about the elements in the periodic table and how to interpret the information
for each element. Students will then choose an element and translate the information from the periodic table
into a tri-fold model. The cover of the tri-fold would be a picture of the element as it appears on the periodic
table, and the inside would be a visual representation of that element showing the position of its protons,
neutrons, and electrons.
Topic: Matter and Properties
Real-World Science Topics
• Every element is comprised of small particles that we cannot see
• Composition of the atom enables the element to go through physical and chemical changes
• Periodic table is used to sort and classify known elements by their atomic mass
Objective
After completing this activity, students will be able to explain the patterns in the organization of the periodic
table. Students will be able to identify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons based on the information
displayed in the periodic table. Students will be able to visualize an element.
NGSS Three-Dimensions
Science and Engineering
Practices
Developing and Using Models
• Modeling in 6–8 builds on K–5
and progresses to developing,
using and revising models to
describe, test, and predict
more abstract phenomena
and design systems.
• Develop a model to predict
and/or describe phenomena.
(MS-PS1-1),(MS-PS1-4)
Disciplinary
Core Ideas
PS1.A: Structure and
Properties of Matter
• Substances are made from
different types of atoms,
which combine with one
another in various ways.
Atoms form molecules that
range in size from two to
thousands of atoms.
(MS-PS1-1)
• Solids may be formed from
molecules, or they may be
extended structures with
repeating subunits
(e.g., crystals). (MS-PS1-1)
Crosscutting
Concepts
Structure and Function
• Structures can be designed to
serve particular functions by
taking into account properties of different materials, and
how materials can be shaped
and used. (MS-PS1-3)
(Source: Next Generation Science Standards)
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WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
Background Information
What is the difference between an atom and element?
All elements are comprised of atoms, tiny particles we are unable to see with our eyes. Elements are
comprised of atoms and cannot be broken down into any other type of matter.
What are the parts of an element?
Inside each atom is a nucleus. The nucleus acts as a control center for the atom and contains the neutrons
and protons. The protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral (no charge). Surrounding the nucleus
are the electrons which contain a negative charge. In elements, the number of protons is equal to the number
of electrons. The only variable is the number of neutrons an atom contains, and that is determined by the
isotopes within that element.
What is the periodic table?
The periodic table is the way scientists have developed to organize elements by their common characteristics
or properties. The periodic table consists of groups and periods. The rows, periods, categorize the elements
by their type (metal, nonmetal, etc.). The columns, groups, can also be identified as families and share
common characteristics.
What are the properties of elements?
Elements have both physical and chemical properties. Physical properties include the element’s volume and
mass, as well as its type, family, color, texture, and boiling and melting points. Chemical properties include
the element’s ability to change or react with other elements. Chemical compounds like H2O or CO2 are
good examples of a chemical change that occurs when elements combine.
Key Vocabulary
Atom – smallest part of an element
Atomic Mass – comprised of the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. The average mass
of an element.
Atomic Number – number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Electron – part of an atom that is found outside the nucleus and is negatively charged
Element – simplest form of matter that cannot be broken down
Isotope v element with similar chemical composition, the same number of protons (same atomic number)
Neutron – found in the nucleus of the atom and has no charge (along with the protons makes up the atomic
mass of the atom)
Proton – positively charged part of an atom found in the nucleus (atomic number of an element)
Materials Needed for Activity
• Card stock
• Colored paper – as per periodic table, you should use blue/yellow/green
• Copies of the periodic table
• Markers/colored pencils
• Extension – Research tools internet, library, books
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WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
Teacher Preparation
When selecting elements for the models, consider the time you have available and the students you teach.
Some of the elements have high atomic mass and will take time to add to their models, because of the high
number of protons and electrons.
Students will have an easier time if you make a sample model in advance. Fold the cardstock into a tri-fold:
they will be opening the “doors” of the tri-fold to see inside their element.
Cut the colored paper (to match colors of periodic table) into square shapes about 2/3 to 1/2 size of the
front of the tri-fold.
Using the periodic table as a guide, copy the information from an element onto the colored piece of paper
(atomic number, symbol, name, atomic mass).
Put glue on back 1/2 of [left or right] side of the colored paper.
Stick the glue side to one side of the tri-fold card stock ‘door’. When the ‘door’ is closed, the unglued side
of the colored paper overlaps the other door.
Have materials ready for use.
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STEPS FOR
WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
1.
Warm-up Activity: Have students study a picture or copy of the periodic table. Discuss what they see
on the table and share as a class (numbers, words, color, symbols or abbreviations). Ask students if they
recognize any of the elements and about their prior experience or knowledge.
2.
Teacher will review with the students the components of the information that appears for the elements
on the periodic table.
3.
Teacher will explain to students that today they are going to be creating a model of “what’s inside an
element.” Teacher will show students pictures or models of an atom. Students will identify the protons
and neutrons found in the nucleus and the electrons orbiting the nucleus. Explain that scientists use
different methods to demonstrate the parts of an atom. They can represent the components as symbols
or shapes or with different colors. In this activity, students can decide how to represent their element’
atoms, but it is important that they include the nucleus and the correct number and position of the
protons, neutrons and electrons.
4.
Hand out worksheet. Assign students their element to model.
5.
Provide students with the square colored paper based on their element’s category from the periodic
table.
6.
Students should copy the information for their element onto the piece of paper, noting the position
and size of the information.
7.
Provide students with cardstock and show them how to make a tri-fold. Have students glue on their
colored squares.
8.
Show atom models again to students and use the worksheet to walk them through the process of finding
out how many protons, electrons and neutrons there are in their element, along with their placement.
9.
Conclude with a discussion about what they learned about elements in the periodic table. Have students
share their models with another student or group.
• Are all atoms the same?
• What are some similarities or differences they noticed in the models?
• What was the purpose in making a model of the atoms within an element?
Extension Activity
On the front cover “doors,” students can label atomic mass, atomic number, symbol, and name of element of
their element square. Using books, textbook, and the internet, students can research their element by finding
out some of its physical and chemical properties and uses. This information could be listed on the inside part
of the “doors.”
Students could then compare particle mass and the difference in mass between a proton and electron.
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STEPS FOR
WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
Sources
“Chem4Kids.com: Atoms: Structure.” Rader’s CHEM4KIDS.COM – Chemistry Basics for Everyone!
N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.
Dictionary Definitions You Can Understand – YourDictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2016.
“Inside Out Discover Elements : Inside an Element.” Home | The Royal Institution: Science Lives Here.
N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.
Next Generation Science Standards. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2016.
“The Path to the Periodic Table | Chemical Heritage Foundation.” Homepage of the Chemical
Heritage Foundation | Chemical Heritage Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.
Websites
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_structure.html
http://www.absorblearning.com/chemistry/demo/units/LR302.html#Protonsneutronsandelectrons
http://www.ptable.com/
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WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
STUDENT HANDOUT
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________
What’s in an Element? Model
You are going to make a tri-fold model. On the outside “doors” will be a square that represents the Element
as it appears on the Periodic Table. Make sure that you use the SAME colors to represent the model as is
shown on the Periodic Table. Don’t forget to include a key for your model.
For the interior of your model, BE CREATIVE! Use color, symbols, shapes and even personification!
Use this worksheet to help you gather information for your model.
What is the name of your element? ________________________________________
What is the atomic number of your element? ______________
What is the atomic mass of your element? _______________
Use the above information to calculate the # of protons and # of electrons you will need to have in your
model
Remember:
• Atomic number represents the number of protons in an element
• # of protons = # of electrons
________ number of protons
________ number of electrons
The atomic mass of an element = the number of protons + the number of neutrons.
Atomic Mass of my element _________________
MINUS # protons
_________________
Total number of neutrons
_________________
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IMAGES FOR
WHAT’S INSIDE AN ELEMENT?
Periodic Table of Elements
Here are a couple of examples of the inside of an atom. There are many ways this can be represented.
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