Introduction
Thank you for taking this assignment! There has been a significant amount of activity by Ultron and his minions. We have satellite images of several thousand pounds of a mined element being brought to a deserted warehouse yard just outside of your city. We have to determine the threat level and if necessary determine our next steps.
Task
We have good intel, but if we're going to move on this, we'll need to evacuate the area. In order to get an evacuation order from Homeland Security, we will have to have the okay from the President.
We'll need evidence that the element they have stored is dangerous. So, before you go tearing into the warehouse, we have to have proof. You will use your cover as students and make a presentation to your teacher and class about the element.
- Is it a discovered element - naturally occurring or man-made (or alien made)?
- Where is it from?
- What is its name (should be its name)?
- Where would it fit on the periodic table (period and group)?
- Is it potentially dangerous (could it be used for evil purposes? You will have to explain why or why not.)
The President, Homeland Director and I will be watching - you know we have eyes everywhere. The President likes presentations to be detailed, but succinct. You should have no more than 12 slides, explaining how you made the determinations above. Make sure you cite your evidence and findings (we wouldn't want the lives of innocent citizens relying on poor information).
Process
Our recon team was able to get a small sample and begin an analysis, but unfortunately the mobile lab was attacked and the sample was lost. From preliminary tests, we know that the element has 96 electrons and 7 valence electrons. This should help you determine what it is and if it is on the current periodic table. If you find the element you can verify your findings with the other pieces of information we know - that it boils at 3110 degrees Celsius and that it melts at 1345 degrees Celsius.
What we know:
96 electrons
7 valence electrons
boiling point - 3110 C
melting point - 1345 C
appearance - Silver solid
Beginning with the first link below and working your way through the sites, you should be able to begin to complete the task at hand. You may learn several important concepts and pieces of information along the way. Remember, it's the synthesis of all the information that will help us make the right determination and possibly save lives.
How elements are formed - learning the origins of the elements will create an understanding that the table is not finite
History of Periodic Table - See how there was no known commonality between the elements, but scientists sought to find one. Eventually they did.
http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/history/history-periodic-table.htm
Organization of today's periodic table - Discover how the current periodic table is organized
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_pertable.html
How elements get their names
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/24460393
Dynamic Periodic Table
Evaluation
Time / Length4- Presentation was 12 slides or equivalent and flowed nicely.3- Presentation was too long or short to adequately flow.2- Presentation was way too long.1- Presentation was under 1 minute. Presentation4- Students were completely prepared and they obviously rehearsed3- Students were prepared but should have rehearsed more.2- Students were prepared and they obviously did not rehearse.1- Students were not prepared to present. Team Work4- Students worked well as team as evidence by the high quality of work produced.3- Students worked adequately as a team as evidence by the moderate quality of work produced.2- One group member did all the work.1- Students did not work as a team due to the low quality of work that was produced. Use of Technology4- Students embraced the technology available to them and produced a high quality of work.3- Students used adequate technology available to them and produced a moderate quality of work.2- Students used limited technology available to them and produced a low quality of work.1- Students did not use any technology in their project. Content4- All required items were answered and used in there proper context.3- Most of the items were answered and used in there proper context.2- A limited number of items were answered and used in there proper context.1- None of the required items were answered.
Conclusion
Great job! Now you understand how to use clues pertaining to the Periodic Table of Elements to determine an element's identity. You identified the mysterious element held in bulk by Ultron and his minions. You have set into motion a plan that will keep your city safe. The President and Shield thank you for your heroic actions and ask that you continue to search for knowledge. Your ability to learn and think have made you a hero today. You have proven your worth. We will call upon you again, soon... Be ready.
-N. Fury
