Drexel-SDP GK-12 ACTIVITY
Element Adveristment
Subject Area(s)
Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics
Associated Unit
Geology
Associated Lesson
Activity Title
Molecules and Mixtures
Element Poster Project
Header
Grade Level __8 (__-__)
Activity Dependency
Time Required 50 min period
Group Size Individual
Expendable Cost per Group
$ 3.00 for poster paper
Summary
Students will learn about some of the common elements found in nature.
Engineering Connection
Making the connection between the elements, their electronic structure, properties and types of
bonding is the foundation of Materials Engineering. Materials Engineering is the oldest
engineering disciple, we even named prehistoric ages after the material ancient man mastered
(Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age) and ceramics engineering is evidenced in pottery, stained
glass (nanoparticles of noble metals gives rise to the beautiful colors), and more recently
engineering organic molecules has introduced plastics and bio inspired composite materials. All
of these technologically important materials are made of and designed with the available
elements on the earth.
Keywords
Poster, elements, periodic table of the elements
Educational Standards
 Science: 3.4.7 A
Pre-Requisite Knowledge
Students should know what information can be found on the periodic table of the elements.
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students should be able to:
 Find information on the periodic table of the elements

Recall the scientific symbol for the elements presented

Present a poster and entertain questions about the elements
Materials List
Each group needs:
1. Poster paper
2. Periodic table of the elements
Introduction / Motivation
You are an advertising executive and you have been commissioned to design a marketing
campaign to sell an element. You have decided to create posters highlighting the unique
properties of the element in an eye catching way. You will have to present your poster to the
client.
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Vocabulary / Definitions
Word
Definition
Chemical
An abbreviation of the element’s name.
symbol
Atomic
The number of protons found in the nucleus of an element.
number
Mass
The number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of an element.
number
Isotopes
Each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal
numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and
hence differ in atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a
radioactive form of an element.
Group
A family of elements that share similar properties because their outermost
electron configurations are similar. Groups are indicated by columns on the
periodic table of the elements.
Period
Horizontal row on the periodic table of the elements.
Chemical
Characteristics of that describe reactive behavior, allows change.
properties
Physical
Characteristics you can detect with your senses
properties
Compounds A chemical compound is a substance consisting of two or more different
elements bonded together in a fixed mass ratio that can be split into
simpler substances
Procedure
Background
Students were given a worksheet and assigned an element.
Attachments
Elements Poster worksheet PDF
Poster assessment Rubric
Safety Issues
none
Troubleshooting Tips
none
Investigating Questions
1. What gives metals their distinctive sheen?
2. What was the most interesting fact you found when researching your element?
Assessment
Pre-Activity Assessment
Title: none
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Activity Embedded Assessment
After each student presents their sales pitch, as questions about their elements. Note: Be sure to
emphasize the use of “units” when reporting quantities. ( ie grams, dollars, g/mol)
Post-Activity Assessment
Title: Presentations
Activity Extensions
Activity Scaling
Additional Multimedia Support
References
See attachment
Owner
Drexel University GK-12 Program
Contributors
Jennifer Atchsion
Dorothea Holmes-Stanley
Copyright
Copyright 2008 Drexel University GK-12 Program. Reproduction permission is granted for nonprofit educational use.
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