(Do not write on this lab sheet.)
Chemistry of Life Lab # 3 – It’s All in the Family
Note: 5 points will be deducted from each group member’s lab grade if lab procedures are not
followed exactly as written.
Problem: How do we determine which elements are metals?
Materials: Elements Set, Thermometer
PowerPoint Slide Show – “Chem 4 The Periodic Table”
Procedure: Read this entire procedure before doing anything.
1. Copy the Lab Title and Problem.
2. For each of the 10 element samples, fill in the data chart.
3. Use the “Chem 4 - The Periodic Table” PowerPoint to assist you.
4. The “Flammability” test will be done by the teacher.
5. To test for “Malleability”, determine whether the element can bend or whether it is stiff
or brittle.
6. To test for “Thermal Conductivity”, take the temperature of the element both before and
after you sit it for 1 minute on an ice pack.
7. To test for “Electrical Conductivity”, see whether you can pass enough electricity
through it to light up a light bulb.
8. Use the data and the PowerPoint to determine what Periodic Family (see list below) that
the element belongs in.
9. Answer all the questions. (For each question, do NOT copy the question, but write the
answer in a sentence that starts with the wording of the question.
10. Write a conclusion.
11. Before beginning the actual procedure, go sign your name on the pad on the front table.
Terms:
Valence Electrons: How many electrons are in that element’s outer ring?
Luster: Is the element very shiny, shiny or dull (no shine)?
Thermal Conductivity: Can it conduct heat?
Electrical Conductivity: Can it conduct electricity?
Flammability: Will it burn?
Periodic Family: Which group the element is found in on the chart:
 Alkali Metals
 Alkaline Earth Metals
 Transition Metals
 Metalloids
 Non-metals
 Halogens
 Noble Gases
Questions:
1. Why didn’t we include Sodium and Chlorine in the element samples that you were
given in this lab?
2. What characteristics did the Transition Metals have in common?
3. In what family did you include Carbon, and why?
4. Why didn’t you include Magnesium in the Transition Metal Family?
Conclusion: In the conclusion, you will RACE to a conclusion.
 Restate the problem, and summarize very briefly what you did.



Answer the problem.
Cite any data or observations that led you to your answer.
Extend by explaining why your answer makes sense in light of what you know.
Element
Carbon
Nitrogen
Magnesium
Aluminum
Silicon
Sulfur
Calcium
Iron
Copper
Tin
Symbol
Atomic
Number
Number of
Valence
Electrons
Color
Is it
Flammable?
Luster:
Malleable
Thermal
Shiny or
or Brittle? Conductivity
Dull?
Electrical
Conductivity
Periodic
Family
Questions:
1. Why didn’t we include Sodium and Chlorine in the element samples that you were
given in this lab?
2. What characteristics did the Transition Metals have in common?
3. In what family did you include Carbon, and why?
4. Why didn’t you include Magnesium in the Transition Metal Family?
Conclusion: In the conclusion, you will RACE to a conclusion.
Restate the problem, and summarize very briefly what you did.
Answer the problem.
Cite any data or observations that led you to your answer.
Extend by explaining why your answer makes sense in light of what you know.