"Discover an Element" Chemistry Research & Presentation

Guidelines for Oral Presentation & Poster

Numbers: The only numbers you should find and present are the atomic number, average atomic mass and most abundant isotope mass number. Your report should not be a listing of all the technical data about your element, make it fun!

Name & Symbol: Elements very often have the name that they do because of some Latin word or other root word. Can you explain how your element was named? Are there any interesting stories of how your element was discovered? How did the symbol for the element come about?

Appearance: Describe how your element looks. Is it shiny (lustrous)? Is it a gas, liquid or solid at room temperature? Is it a metal, metalloid or nonmetal? Is it colorful or colorless? Draw a picture of your element in its pure form on your poster.

Source: Where does your element occur in nature? How do we find this element if we need it in industry, etc...? Is it found pure in nature or is it combined with other elements? Do we mine for this element? Where? Is it a by-product of a chemical reaction? Give us the SOURCE of your element in the modern world.

Common Uses: What is your element used for in the United States? In other countries? Is this element necessary for life processes? Is it used in industry to make better metals, etc...? Did it have a function that has now gone out of use? How this element is needed by our world today should be described in this section. Draw a picture, or include a magazine or newspaper clipping, of your element in use on your poster.

Unusual Facts: Is there a unique or surprising feature about your element? Is it used for something unusual or outrageous? Does your element have any distinguishing characteristics that makes it different from other elements on the periodic table?

Oral Presentation: This should be three to five minutes long and should include all the information you have gathered about your element. If you want to really get into it, dress up like the discoverer of the element and present as if you were that person describing the element for the very first time (bonus points). Use your poster to point out the information as you are presenting.

Poster: This should be at least 21 by 27 cm in size but may be larger if you wish. It should include the above information but in pictures and drawings. Be sure to include the name of the element, symbol, atomic number, average atomic mass, dot diagram and aufbau diagram. In addition draw a picture or use a magazine cutting to detail the element's appearance, source and common uses. Include a sample of your element if that is practical. Your poster is allowed to have four or fewer words on it. Only one word is really necessary.

Grading: