Name:_________________________________
CHEMISTRY PROJECT - RAFT ASSIGNMENT
Each atom on the periodic table has unique properties, characteristics and uses based on its atomic
structure. Through this RAFT project, you will have the task of gathering information concerning an
element of your choice. The gathering of this information will be completed in a portfolio. Once you
complete your portfolio, you will demonstrate your understanding of your chosen element and its
significance in today’s society by presenting your element to a small group of your classmates. After
listening to the element presentations in your group, you will reflect on the presentations and answer
key questions.
Steps to Your Task
1. Select an element from the periodic table. .
2. Complete the portfolio outline.
3. Start your presentation. Read through the choices of role, audience and format and select an option that
works best for you.
4. Complete your presentation.
5. Use the rubric and checklist to ensure that you have included all required information.
6. Present your element and listen to the others within your group. Provide feedback on presentations
within your group. Complete the element reflection.
NOTE: This assignment has you writing and presenting from the viewpoint of someone other than yourself.
Write clearly, strive for creativity and pay attention to the format. Excellent projects are not a LIST that flow
according to the rubric but contain the information interwoven into the writing in an interesting and creative
way.
Project Outline and Key Dates:
1.
Select element and inform teacher of element choice: Due Date:___11/10/2014_____
2. Complete portfolio: Due Date:___beginning of class 11/12/2014_________
3. Element RAFT Presentation: Due Date:__11/13/2014________
4. Self and peer reflection of presentations: Due Date:____11/14/2014________
5. Element reflection piece: Due Date:____11/14/2014_______
RAFT outline
Role
(You will write as
though you are….)
the scientist who
discovered the
element
Audience
Format
(Your writing piece (Your writing will
will be read or heard take the form of…)
by…)
a family member
a letter
a friend
an interview
a teacher
a peer group
a lecture
a reporter
a group of children
a press conference
a movie producer
a worried citizen
a personal journal
entry
Topic
(Your element whose work your
writing is based upon is…..)
Any element on the periodic
table.
singer or songwriter award committee
a newspaper article
a last will and
testament
a TV script
a confessional
song lyrics
Research Tips: Use the following websites to help you research your element. You are not limited to
use of the internet for your research. Please feel free to consult textbooks, chemistry resource books,
and periodicals as you research your element.
PeriodicTable.com
(periodictable.com)
Dynamic Periodic Table (http://www.ptable.com/)
WebElements Clickable Periodic Table (www.webelements.com)
 http://www.chem4kids.com/
http://www.chemicalelements.com/ - good links for related information on the elements
Chemistry Element RAFT
Name: ___________________________
The evaluation of this assignment is based on the information contained within the portfolio and your overall
presentation. The following rubric will be used to evaluate your project.
Knowledge:
 Physical Properties
 Chemical Properties
Level 0
<50%
Does not
meet grade
expectations
Level 1
50 – 59%
 Demonstrates limited
understanding of both
the physical and
chemical properties of
the element.
Level 2
60 – 69%
 Demonstrates some
understanding of both
the physical and
chemical properties of
the element.
Inquiry:
 Uses of the Element
 Common Compounds
Does not
meet grade
expectations
 Gathers data and
analyzes information
with some effectiveness
to determine uses of the
element, as well as
common compounds
that the element is
found in.
Communication:
Units
Conventions
Terminology
Electron configuration and /
or Bohr-Rutherford Diagram
 Referencing – cites the
websites, books and / or
materials used to gather
information
Does not
meet grade
expectations
 Gathers data and
analyzes information
with limited
effectiveness to
determine uses of the
element, as well as
common compounds
that the element is
found in.
 Expresses ideas and
organizes information
with limited
effectiveness.
 Units, conventions and
terminology are used
incorrectly.
 Partial Reference list
(only 1 reference and/
or reference is not from
a reliable source)
Application:
 Impact the element has on
society, the economy, and
the environment
Does not
meet grade
expectations
 Makes connections
between the element
and society, the
economy and the
environment with
limited effectiveness.
 Makes connections
between the element
and society, the
economy and the
environment with some
effectiveness.
Does not
meet grade
expectations
 Has a maximum of 2
“Needs Improvements”
 Has a maximum of 1
“Needs Improvement”




Learning Skills:
See chart below
 Expresses ideas and
organizes information
with some
effectiveness.
 Units, conventions and
terminology are used
but contain some errors.
 Prepares a partial
reference sheet (only 2
references)
Level 3
70 – 79%
 Demonstrates
considerable
understanding of both
the physical and
chemical properties of
the element.
 Gathers data and
analyzes information
with considerable
effectiveness to
determine uses of the
element, as well as
common compounds
that the element is
found in.
 Expresses ideas and
organizes information
with considerable
effectiveness.
 Units, conventions and
terminology are used
but contain only a few
errors.
 Prepares a reference
sheet that identifies
sources of information
and more than 3
sources are used.
Level 4
80 – 100%
 Demonstrates a
thorough understanding
of both the physical and
chemical properties of
the element.
 Makes connections
between the element
and society, the
economy and the
environment with
considerable
effectiveness.
 Has a maximum of 2
“Satisfactories”
 Makes connections
between the element
and society, the
economy and the
environment to a high
degree of effectiveness.
 Gathers data and
analyzes information
with a high degree of
effectiveness to
determine uses of the
element, as well as
common compounds
that the element is
found in.
 Expresses ideas and
organizes information
with a high degree of
effectiveness.
 Units, conventions and
terminology are used
appropriately.
 Prepares a reference
sheet according to APA
format with minimal
errors in format and
utilizes more than 4
sources of information.
 Has a maximum of 1
“Satisfactory”
Learning Skills: During the course of the project you will be assessed on the following learning skills.
Learning Skill
Learning Skill
Level
Responsibility
Fulfills responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment.
Completes and submits assignments according to agreed-upon timelines.
NI
S
E
Organization
Establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals.
Identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, technology, and resources to
complete tasks.
NI
S
E
Independent Work
Uses class time appropriately to complete tasks.
Follows instructions with minimal supervision.
NI
S
E
Initiative
Approaches new tasks with a positive attitude.
NI
S
E
Self-Regulation
Seeks clarification or assistance when needed.
NI
S
E
NI – Needs Improvement
S – Satisfactory
E - Excellent
Name:___________________________________
Element Portfolio
Introductory Information
Element Name: ______________________
Element Symbol: _____________________
Where is your element found on the periodic table?
Row number _____
Group number ______
Group name (if group 1, 2, 17 or 18) _______________________
Is your element a metal or a non-metal? ________________
Atomic Number: _______
Atomic Mass: ________
Number of protons:_____
Number of electrons:_____
Number of neutrons:_____
Electron configuration and Bohr-Rutherford Model:
Teacher Signature & Date__________________
Element Portfolio
Element Name: ______________________
Element Symbol: _____________________
Physical Properties (make a list, think of at least 8-10 important physical properties such as density, melting
point, state of matter, metal, non-metal, metalloid, crystalline structure, hardness)
Chemical Properties – what does the element react with? How the element reacts with other elements such
as: whether an element is corrosive, combustible or flammable
What the element is used for?
Make a list of common compounds that the Element is found in
MSDS (print one from the internet) – Material Safety Data Sheet
How the element affects the environment?
Facts on the element’s discovery (who, when and how)?
Why is this element important to society? Write a paragraph explaining your answer. Try to think of 3
reasons (level 3) to support your answer.
List the sources of your information (References - at least 3, using proper APA referencing format)