Periodic Table Project

In 2012, Chem 13 News magazine and the University of Waterloo's Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Science worked with people all over the world to create an artistic representation of the Periodic Table.  A similar project was completed at Kenan Science Library Research Hub and Makerspace at University of North Carolina.  We are working on creating a similar project at SHHS.

The design of your tile must represent the element’s physical properties, who discovered it, where and when it was discovered, how it got its name, its chemical family, and/or how it has been or is currently used.  You can add real materials, paint, or even use collage techniques to complete your tile.  The atomic symbol and the atomic number must be clearly displayed on your tile.

In addition to your tile, you will need to write a paragraph (approximately 100 words) about the process used, concept and history behind the creative tile.

How to participate:

1. Gather information using this worksheet as a guide.

2. Decide what information would be most interesting to display on your tile.

3. Talk with Mrs. Tignor and Mr. Traud to see what materials are available.

4. Create your tile.

5. Give your tile to Mr. Traud to display.

NOTE OF CAUTION: There are lots of student projects on the internet about the Periodic Table. Be sure that your sources are reliable sources of science information.

Places to start:

When you begin your research, you will want to find as much information in as few places as possible. Because of this, it is important to begin at a website that houses lots of information on all of the elements in the periodic table.

Suggested resources include:

• Los Alamos National Laboratory

• Royal Society of Chemistry

• Web Elements

Suggested keywords:

• To find general information on your element, search for your element's name. For example, Argon, Titanium, etc.

• Periodic Table

• Elements in Periodic Table

• Periodic Table and ELEMENT NAME

Finer Details:

Once you have found most of your information, you may have some holes in your research that need to be filled. At this point, you will need to fine tune your search strategy. You will need to add phrases to your search terms that allow you to pinpoint the information needed. For example, Argon Uses, Location Titanium Periodic Table, Atomic Symbol Carbon, etc.

• The Elements Revealed: An Interactive Periodic Table from Scientific American

• Here's the Real Life Use of Every Element on the Periodic Table

• The SHHS Library has books dedicated to a few elements or a group of elements. These books about specific elements can be found in the Dewey Classification 546. See Mrs. Tignor if you need help finding your element.

Databases:

• WorldBook Online offers an encyclopedia entry for each element.

• SIRS Knowledge Source can help you find current events that include your element. This database would be helpful if you are having trouble finding out how the element is used, where it is found, or if there are any dangers associated with its use.

Keywords for searching:

• To find general information on your element, search for your elements name. For example, Argon, Titanium, etc.

• To find more specific information, use your elements name along with keywords that identify the information needed. For example, Argon Uses, Location Titanium, Atomic Symbol Carbon, etc.

Citing your Sources:

• Go to the SHHS MLA 8 page for more information on how to cite your sources.