Chemistry Essay
Elements in My World
A chemical element is a pure chemical substance consisting of one type of
atom distinguished by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its
nucleus. A quick glance across the periodic table of elements yields some pretty
obscure-sounding elements that may seem to be outside of everyday experience.
We’ve never come across a lump of francium before, and elements such as
cerium and technetium sound equally exotic. In fact, the universe itself is mostly
comprised of the first two elements of hydrogen and helium, and on a rocky
world like Earth, silicon and oxygen are the most prevalent. But did you know
that some much more exotic elements may exist in your home or neighborhood?
Surprisingly, these products of modern living may even be synthetic elements,
and may be radioactive.
Learning Goals:
 I can use research skills to learn about an element, describe its principle
features and reactions, and its most common uses.
 I can create an essay with a length of no less than 200 words and a maximum
of no more than 560 words.
 I can create an artistic rendition of the uses of the element.
Task:
Write an essay about an element from the periodic table that describes the basic
properties of the element, background information about the element, interesting
facts, and connecting its relevance to our every day (real world) life.
Procedure:
1. Choose an element to research and write about.
2. Research = Use the attached research page to obtain information about your
element. You can copy the information into the fact sheet on the computer or
print it and write it in.
3. Create a thesis statement
4. Create an outline
5. Write the essay (make your audience care and believe that your element is
the most important element)
Point Values:
— 80pts = Essay
— 20pts =Artistic Rendition
— 100pts. = total
Chemistry Essay
Elements in My World: Fact Sheet
Student Name:______________________
Element: ____________________________
Directions: Use the following questions to guide your research for your essay.
1. Basic Information:
Symbol: _______
Atomic Number:_____________ Atomic Mass: ____________
# of protons: ___________
# of neutrons:________________ # of electrons:_____________
melting pt.:____________ boiling pt.:______________ color: ____________ texture:__________
odor:____________________ Hardness:__________________ (Mohs scale may be used to
describe hardness)
Normal phase at room temperature: __________________ (solid, liquid, or gas)
Classification: _________________(metal, nonmetal, or metalloid)
Family the element belongs: _____________________
Origin of Name:_________________________ Discovered by:__________________________
When discovered (If found in antiquity, tell which tribe or nation was the first
known to use the element) ___________________________________________________________
Where it was discovered and where in the world it is found (geographical location)?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Real world connection:
What is the element used for in the real world?: (Give its many uses, a minimum of
three, more if possible).
Is it found in its pure form or in a compound:
Give the names of compounds in which it is found, if it is found in compounds:
Chemistry Essay
If appropriate, describe one method for purifying the element (You can include a
balanced equation that explains how to purify the element).
economic
Give the economic importance (impact) of the element by explaining how the
element is used.
How would your life be different if this element was not available. Give specific
reasons and exact details
Discuss what the world would be like without it
3.Artistic Rendition:
— You can hand draw, find pictures from the computer or internet, or cut out
pictures from magazines or newspapers to create your artistic rendition of
how the element is used in the real world.
— It can be a collage, a formal looking picture, or some other creative rendition
that can be easily understood.
— The size of the artistic rendition is to be 8.5 x 11 inches. It can be on white or
colored paper, student’s choice.
— The final product must have in the upper right hand corner of the front of the
paper the following information: student name, period number, and date.
REMEMBER: Give the art rendition an interesting title!
4. Sources:
— Must have 5 or more sources for your research.