Physical Science

Periodic Patterns

(Related Lesson: Supercool Activity)

(Click here to view activities and diagrams in PDF format)

Standard Statements:
3.4.10 A - Explain concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

3.4.12 A - Apply concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

3.7.10 B - Apply appropriate instruments and apparatus to examine a variety of objects and processes.

3.7.10 D - Utilize computer software to solve specific problems.

3.2.10 C - Apply the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems.

Content Objectives:
Students will be able to:

1.   Know various aspects of periodic law (density within groups of elements).

2.   Know the densities of Group IVa elements.

3.   Know the periodic variation of density and atomic radius.

4.   Know why elements in the same family tend to have similar chemical properties.

5.   Know the location on the Periodic Table of a new element.

Process Objectives:
Students will be able to:

Identify families and their characteristic chemical and physical properties (e.g., alkali, alkaline earth, halogens, noble gases; reactivity, density, melting point).

Assessment Strategies:

1.   Class discussion

2.   Teacher observation

3.   Performance assessment (see
Attachment 1)

Procedures:

1.   Explain to the class members that they will be investigating patterns on the Periodic Table.

2.   Have students use water displacement to determine the densities of the Group IVa metals: lead, silicon and tin.

3.   Students will plot density vs. periodic number for the Group IVa elements tested.

4.   Students will use the graphs to estimate the densities of carbon and germanium and compare these estimates to literature values.

5.   Students will also plot atomic radius vs. atomic number for elements1-20 and atomic radius vs. periodic number for the alkali metals. Then compare and discuss the two plots.

6.   Students will research patterns on the Periodic Table for ion radius, reactivity, ion charge and electronegativity.

7.   Students will use knowledge of the Periodic Table to locate where element 118 will be placed on the table when it is created.

Related Websites:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/chemistry/web-elements

click here to view the periodic table

 

Suggested Level:
High School

Standard Category:
3.4 – Physical Science,  Chemistry and Physics

Materials:
Lead shot

Pieces of silicon and tin

50 ml graduated cylinder

Safety goggles

Balance

Instructional Strategies:
Lab work

Calculator use

Small group instruction

Graphing

Computer use

Inquiry

 

 

Attachment 1

Performance Assessment

Standards Category: 3.4 Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics

Standard Grade Level: 10

Standards Statement: 3.4.10 A Apply concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

Content Objective (s)                               Process Objective(s)

Students will know various aspects of the periodic law (i.e., physical and chemical properties). Students will identify families and their characteristic chemical and physical properties (e.g., reactivity, density, melting point.).

 

 

Authentic Task

Title of Task: Identification of a Pure Metal

Students (individual or in pairs) will be given a sample of different pure metals to identify. Students will use knowledge gained from science classes and independent research to identify their assigned metal sample.

Students will maintain a lab journal including their data and interpretations. Students will also submit a one to two page summary report analyzing the test results as a means of supporting their conclusion regarding the identity of the metal.

Evaluation will be based partially on correct identification of the metal and partly on how strong a case is presented in the summary report. Strong cases involve six or more tests, including a variety of both physical and chemical tests that point to the correct identity of the metal.

For the Teacher:

 Possible tests: magnetism, density, melting point, specific heat, color, malleability, reactivity with water, reactivity with acid and qualitative analysis.

 Suggested metals: aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, nickel, silver, tin and zinc.

 

Scoring Rubric

Standard Category: 3.4 Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics

Standard Grade Level: 10

Standard Statement: 3.4.10.A. Apply concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

Process Objective: Students will identify families and their characteristic chemical and physical properties (e.g., reactivity, density, melting point).

Title of Task: Identification of a Pure Metal

Criteria Performance Standards: The levels at which students perform task.
  Advanced Proficient Basic Below Basic
Identification of metal The metal is identified correctly. The metal is identified correctly or the correct metal was confused with a metal that gives similar results in testing. The metal was incorrectly identified or correctly identified without sufficient evidence. The metal was incorrectly identified or correctly identified with no more than one piece of supporting evidence.
Appropriateness and interpretation of tests All test chosen were appropriate and interpreted correctly. Nearly all tests used were appropriate and interpreted correctly. Some tests were appropriate and/or interpreted correctly. Few or no tests were appropriate and/or interpreted correctly.
Number of tests Six or more tests were used. Four to five tests were used. Two to three tests were used. Zero to one test was used.
Variety of tests A variety of both physical and chemical tests were used. Tests used were either mostly physical or mostly chemical. Only physical or chemical tests were used. Only physical tests were used.