Selecting and Researching the Element for the Atomic Attire Project
Researching an Element- I recommend two class periods with each student having
access to a computer.
This is a brief summary of how I manage the research for this project.
I did element assignments on the day we were in the computer lab. Prior to coming to the
lab, I cut up a periodic table into individual squares and put them in a bowl. When
students were seated at their computer, I had them log in to a virtual periodic table. Here
is one example- http://education.jlab.org/elementmath.index.html .
Each student was given an Element Note-Taking Sheet and a chance to draw 2 elements
from the bowl and look up and READ about each before making a final choice. Once the
element choice was made, they were to take a piece of transparent tape to affix the
element square to the top of their Note-taking Sheet I had passed out with instructions to
RETURN the other element to my bowl, ready for the next class. The rest of the period
was used to gather the information needed to complete the note-taking sheet and sketch
the atomic model. The next class period was used to look for free clip to illustrate their
element’s uses and properties. The clip art they chose was printed and attached to the
note-taking sheet. (Remind students clip art may need to be resized before printing.) This
clip art will be traced on the fabric of their wearable so simple images need to be
selected.
Atomic Attire Fashion Show
Let students invite parents, teachers, and others who may be interested in attending.
Clear an aisle in your room (or use a stage at your school) and make a runway. I used red
bulletin board paper with a couple of big atoms drawn where each student model needed
to stop and pose for the photographer! The Atomic Attire Master of Ceremonies (you
could have a couple of students, parents, or colleagues with excellent speaking voices
alternate for this) at the podium with the narrations in order. The models are lined up, in
order, ready to make their way down the Atomic Attire Runway. Have a designated
“paparazzi area” for the photographers. Every student is photographed in their attire. I
highly recommend the show be videotaped!
Hodgescience@yahoo.com 2010