Overview - This unit will help the students understand chemical elements, their structure in terms of physical and chemical properties. The unit will culminate in a Power Point presentation introducing the student's element to the class. The students will research their elements and it's properties on the web, in textbooks, and in their science class. They will be given a rubric at the beginning of their research. The rubric identifies the information that is needed and the points that coincide with each section. The students get to choose a theme to use for their presentation. The project will be assessed based on how well the student completes each section identified in the rubric.

Rationale - In this unit the students will learn the common characteristics of elements and be able to present them to their classmates. This unit will address State Standards for science, language arts, and technology. In addition, this assignment incorporates research, time management, and oral presentation skills. These are skills that are only emerging at the middle school level, but will be required more and more as the students continue their education. The inherent goals of learning about chemical elements, the periodic table, and chemical and physical properties are important, but equally important are the skills the student will gain in research and presentation experience. These skills make the unit relevant and useful to the student's life, and challenges him/her in several modalities of learning. The unit qualifies as an engaged learning unit because the students are actively engaged in the projects process. They are required to brainstorm for theme ideas and collaborate to make their presentations in Power Point. Technology will be a big part of this unit, not only for research, but for the presentation as well.

Goals - Content, Cognitive and Social -

The students will gain knowledge about chemical elements and their properties.

The students will use a variety of sources and learn how to choose the most appropriate source for research.

The student will learn time management and research strategies to complete an assignment.

The students will enhance their social skills by collaborating on their assignment.

The student will be able to use technology for a presentation.

The student will gain oral presentation skills.

In addition, this unit addresses State Standards:

2.C.3b Model and describe the chemical and physical characteristics of matter (e.g., atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, mixtures).

4.B.3a Deliver planned oral presentations, using language and vocabulary appropriate to the purpose, message and audience; provide details and supporting information that clarify main ideas; and use visual aids and contemporary technology as support.

5.A.3a Identify appropriate resources to solve problems or answer questions through research.

5.B.3a Choose and analyze information sources for individual, academic and functional purposes.

5.C.3a Plan, compose, edit and revise documents that synthesize new meaning gleaned from multiple sources.

5.C.3a Plan, compose, edit and revise documents that synthesize new meaning gleaned from multiple sources.

5.C.3c Take notes, conduct interviews, organize and report information in oral, visual and electronic formats.

Learning Activities - The student will use technology to research their element.

The student will need to apply classroom lectures to their project.

The students will need to work together to create their presentations in the Power Point format.

The students will need to use time management skills to make the best use of computer/class time to complete the project on time.

The students will need to present the projects to the class.

The students will need to be good listeners during classmates presentation

Student Assessment-

Students were scored on their ability to gather all of the necessary information as directed by the rubric, as well as their ability to put together a Power Point presentation.

The rubric will dictate the information necessary, as well as the presentation requirements. The students should gain knowledge about their element and be able to use Power Point to share that information with the class.

The points awarded are outlined in the rubric (see attached).

The student can use the rubric during the project as a checklist.

The rubric will be completed by the teacher during the student's presentation and handed back to him/her. 

The student will present his/her project to the class to demonstrate his/her knowledge and skills.

Management

The students will be taking notes in class, researching in the library and using the computer lab. The teacher will need to provide the students with computers with internet access and Power Point programming. In addition, for the final presentation, the students will need a computer and projector to share their projects with the class. The majority of the research will be done individually, however, the students will be able to cooperate and assist each other during the computer lab time.

The students will be provided with ample computer lab time to complete the projects. All work will be able to be completed during school hours.

Students with special needs will assisted by the special education teacher and during their tenth period strategies class. In addition, students with one on one aids will have the assignment modified and make an oral presentation to the class.

Unit Evaluation

The teacher needs to be aware of the students understanding of chemical elements and be able to add to that knowledge to make the assignment more meaningful and fun.

It was effective to pre-teach the structure of the periodic table and its elements.

It was not effective to lecture in between computer lab times. 

Next time, I will complete all of the in class lectures, etc. prior to starting the project. It was difficult for the students to "switch gears". I will also have the students help in developing the points awarded in the rubric.