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 HP Reveal 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 HP Reveal 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.
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 HP Reveal to create an informational video
This project supports students’ understanding of
- Atomic Structure
- Model of the Atom
- Periodic Table
Teacher Preparation: minimal
Lesson: 2-3 block classes
- 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)
- No specific safety precautions need to be observed for this activity.
- Print student sign-up sheet (to select element).
- Teacher should be familiar with HP Reveal prior to the activity.
- HP Reveal needs to be installed and verified on all devices prior to the start of the activity.
- The teacher should review how to use HP Reveal 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
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 19th 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.
- Explain how the number of electrons relates to the number of protons in an atom.
- Explain the difference between atomic number and mass number.
Construct a model that replicates the atomic structure for a selected element from the periodic table.
- With a partner, select one common element to research from the periodic table.
- Use an internet accessible device to research the chosen element. You will complete the Fact Sheet for collecting information.
- Use the camera app to record a video presenting your research.
- Open HP Reveal. Upload your video.
- Take a picture of your element on the periodic table to be used as the trigger image.
- Open HP Reveal. Scan a DIFFERENT element’s trigger image. View the student submitted video. Record data using your fact sheet.
- Construct a Bohr model of the atom that replicates the atomic structure for the selected element. **Review rubric before beginning**
- What engineering practices did you use when building your atomic model?
- How did technology enhance your learning in this activity?