Introduction

It's elementary! It's elemental! It's the periodic table of elements! As a basic tool for chemists, the periodic table is an elegant organizer for all the known (and some unknown!) elements of which our universe consists! If you're like me, you're saying, 'WOW!' right now! Can you stand a few more exclamation points?!!!!
O.K. Now that I have your attention, let's get started. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, (and you'd better) is to create an advertisement that ballyhoos (look it up) a specific element from the periodic table. All the information you will need can be found in the links in this WebQuest.

Another thing. Check out the Illinois Learning Standards with which this activity is connected. Cool!
State Goal 12: Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.
State Goal 12.C.3b Model and describe the chemical and physical characteristics of matter (e.g. atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, mixtures)
When your mom asks you what you learned today won't she be impressed!

The Quest

Hello you fabulously wealthy and successful advertising executive you. However, there is trouble brewing in your previously perfect existence. Your advertising agency, due to your extravagant spending habits, is in financial trouble. Not to worry, all is not lost. Ms. Mendeleev, of Elements Unlimited, is looking for an a company to create advertising that will promote the use of one of fourteen specific elements. Your advertising team must design and present an ad that will win the Elements Unlimited competition. Good luck!

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who are interested in the periodic table, chemistry, and elements. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster's dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the following basic questions.
Read actively for understanding! Use
A. SPQR,
B. Three-column Notes,
C. Concept Mapping
D. Any other reading strategy you like.



1. Use the 'Chemistry for Kids' link.

a. Click the 'Overview' button. Read this section.
Click the 'Structure' button. Read this section.
Remember to use a reading strategy.

b. Write a definition of the term 'atom' that includes
neutrons, protons, electrons, and shells.

c. Draw the structure of an atom. Label the parts.
Protons, neutrons, electrons, shells (orbitals).

d. Label the electrical charge of protons,neutrons,
and electrons.

e. Click on 'Bonding'. Read actively.

f. Using your notes and the site answer the
following questions.
1. Define 'molecule'
2. Why do atoms bond into molecules?
3. What are the two main types of bonds?
How do they work?

g. Click on 'Elements' (bottom of page)

h. Click on 'Periodic Table'.
Read actively.

i. Write a definition of the term 'element'.

j. Write a definition of the term 'periodic
table'. Include 'rows', 'periods', 'columns'
and 'families' in your definition.
definition.

Whew! You're finally done with your preliminary legwork. Now you have the background knowledge to support your next round of research for your advertisement.

• Chemistry for Kids - Guided tour of atomic structure.
• Interactive periodic table of elements - Features periodic table of elements. Click on individual elements for more information.
• Three-dimensional molecular models - View three-dimensional models of common molecules. Identifies elements in molecules.
• Elements flashcard game - Flashcard format to practice identifying different elements
• Visual images from the periodic table - Advanced version of the periodic table with beautiful visual analogies. In-depth information
• Ask an Expert - E-mail format to contact various experts.
• Bill Nye the Science Guy - Great demos.
• 'It's Elementary!' rubric - Product descriptors for WebQuest. Assessment.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below: Artist, Organizer, Layout, Writer

2. You may not print text from the websites. As in your previous work, you must take some form of notes from the websites in order to find and use the information you need.

3. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into completing your task,which is creating an advertisment for an element. By now you are probably wondering just what your ad must contain. Drum roll please! Ta da!

A.First you must select one of the first 14 elements
from the periodic table.

B.Information must be presented in a poster format
which includes:

1. Your element's symbol, atomic number, and
atomic weight.

2. How many protons and neutrons in the nucleus of
your atom? How many electrons? How many orbitals
(shells)? Using the number of electrons in the
outermost shell, tell if your element is
reactive (will it combine with other atoms?) or
not.

3. When and by whom was your element discovered?

4. Past and present use of your element, in nature
and man-made.

5. What would be different if your element did not
exist?

6. Three-dimensional model of your element, either
of an atom of the element itself or in a
compound. Separate from the poster.

7. Give the physical properties of your element.
Phase of matter at room temperature, boiling
point, melting point, maleability, ductility,
luster,how well does it conduct electricity and
heat, is it magnetic, and any other interesting
facts you may find.

8. What group of the periodic table does your
element belong in? What row? What column?

8. Here comes the fun part. Your poster is your
information delivery system. However, you are
trying to sell your services as an advertising
company. How will you make your presentation
snappy? memorable? stand-out from the crowd?
It's up to you!

The specific instructions for each role are
listed below.

Organizer

Use the Internet information links to help answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #1:

1. How will my group organize these resources into a creative and informative advertisement?
2. Where will I find the information to make a three-dimensional model of our element?

Artist

Use the Internet information links to help answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #2:

1. Which parts of this information will make an effective
visual subject for our advertisement?
2. With what images will I illustrate the poster? Will
everyone contribute clip-art or pictures?

Layout

Use the Internet information links to help answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #3:

1. What format will best present this information for our advertisement?
2. What materials will I use for the presentation?

Writer

Use the Internet information links to help answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #4:

1. How will I use this information to write interesting and informative material for our advertisement that meets the requirements?

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about the periodic table. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the project. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to create your advertisement. Your WebQuest team should produce an ad that everyone on the team thinks is the absolute best result possible.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You and your teammates have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles. Now's the time to put your learning into your product, the advertisement for your element.

1. Begin your presentation to the class be showing your poster. State your element, and the required information.

2. Remember! Your presentation is showcasing your ability
'sell' your element. The future of your company depends on your team landing this account.


3. Each person in your group should meet their responsibility in the creation of your product.

4. Have each person on the team proofread your product.

Your Contact is: Christine Snell

Conclusion

How did your ad turn out? With the help of your team, you should have created an excellent piece of work. Working together and teaching each other enabled you to make something better than if you did it on your own. It's the same for understanding a topic as broad or complex as periodic table: when you only know part of the picture, you only know part of the picture. Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of periodic table could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.