Week 5: Hunting the Elements

Okay so far we have talked about ways in which to describe matter

• Physical properties
• Physical changes
• Chemical properties
• Chemical changes
• States of Matter (motion of particles)
• Changes of States
• Pure Substances (elements and compounds)
• Mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous)
• Atoms*
• Molecules*

*We will talk about these for another couple of weeks.

After a long weekend and a test (or video productions), it's time to go on a hunt of the elements. We have been talking about the elements for a few days and now it's time to see elements in action. Here is a snapshot of where we are headed this week! No 80s clothes or scratchy footage in this awesome video!




Good luck on Tuesday's test! See YOU in the classroom!
Matter Practice Test

The Periodic Table

Last week we got a small introduction to the organization of the periodic table.  You probably thought that was enough right? Well, you guessed wrong! There is a whole new world that we have yet to discover about these magnificent elements.

This week, we will take an even deeper look at the periodic table through video and activities.  The periodic table is actually pretty amazing!  There is so much meaning behind the information that is provided just based on what is on each element square and where each element is located.  How exactly is the periodic table organized?

The periodic table handout in class is just one way to present the information on the elements.  If you were to conduct an Internet search, you would see a periodic table for organizing a bunch of cool things.  However, we will just focus on the real periodic table. Here are pictures of different period tables here, here, and here. Check them out and tell me what you think. How are they alike? How are they not alike?

So far we've talked about the atomic structure and now we are going to see how the atomic structure plays a role in the organization of the periodic table.  Mendeleev created the very first period table around 1869 and organized it according to the atomic mass of the elements.  However, we will learn that is no longer the case in the organization of the elements.  In wasn't until the earlier 1900s that another scientist realized through his own research that the atomic mass didn't determine the organization of the elements.  Rather, it was the atomic number that dictated the organization.  Upon making a few adjustments to Mendeleev's periodic table the elements were now aligned and scientist noticed that once in groups the elements shared similar properties with one another.

Learning Targets this Week:

• I can explain the different trends on the periodic table.
• I can differentiate between most reactive and least reactive elements.
• I can identify simple bonds between some elements.

Review and the New

Last week, we learned about the differences between atoms and molecules (1a), pure substances and mixtures (1b), and the basics of an element on the periodic table.

This week we will continue learning about the element squares and how to read them.  In fact, I believe some of you might be able to tell your parents what the information this image means.  Okay, so give it a shot!

***UPDATE - I AM REVISING OUR PLANS DUE TO THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS. I HAVE CROSSED OUT ANYTHING THAT IS NO LONGER ON THE SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK.***

(c) M. Prince, 2012

We will have a first major test this week, but not without doing a unique type of review.  Instead of a study guide (that's what your notebook is for), students will get the answers to a mock test that an imaginary student completed.  Our student, whose name is Kaleb, prepared for a matter test similar to the one we will take this week.  How well did he do? Only you can determine the answer to that.  Make sure you're in school Tuesday to join in on this exciting review session.

Besides this we will wrap up the week diving into the period table and pruning our literacy skills in science.  By now we should know the importance of reading for information in science as this always adds to the body of knowledge in class.  We will analyze articles to identify the big picture and conduct a comparative analysis about the content.  Bring your critical thinking hats as we venture into another part of physical science education.

Learning Targets this Week:

• I can interpret the information given on an element square.
• I can analyze literature to find the main ideas, similarities, and differences.
• I recognize that the period table contains more than 100 elements. 
• I can explain how the periodic table is organized.

Classroom Videos

Have you seen what we've been learning in class lately? If not, just step on over to my virtual video channel here.

The Matter Saga Continues...

Last week, we looked at the properties and changes of matter.  Students chimed in with their own examples demonstrating that they were gaining a better understanding of these new concepts.  For students who are still struggling with last week's content, please visit MsPrinceScience YouTube Channel for newly uploaded videos on the topics.

Here's a preview of one of our topics this week:


This week we will look at the different types of matter (pure substances and mixtures).  Once this material is covered we will wrap up the week learning about the element squares on the periodic table.  Understanding the information in an element square is critical to understanding the organization of the periodic table.

Learning Targets this week:

• I can explain the law of conservation of matter.
• I can tell the difference between pure substances and mixtures.
• I can interpret what the information on an element square means for each element.
• I can distinguish between an atom, element, compound, molecule, and mixture.

Students of the Month (AUGUST)
Congratulations to the following students in science class!
1st period: Hunter and Mikayla
2nd period: Adam and Claire
5th period: Chris and Sabrina
6th period: Ryan and Graci

***IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS***
Quiz grades reflect the amount of studying students are doing on a daily basis.  Let us try to improve our study habits so that we can increase our level of preparedness on formative assessments.

Part 11 of Element Project

Here is a link to help you with number 11 of the element project. I have not recorded videos for students in a year so it's a bit rusty.  I hope you find this resource helpful.

Go to:
http://www.screencast.com/users/Mogator02/folders/Jing/media/851d73da-3033-42b0-9b15-6e40171d109b