SNC 1D/1P ELEMENTAL SUPERHERO PROJECT
Every element in the periodic table has unique physical and chemical
properties . This is due to the unique number of subatomic particles (protons,
neutrons, and electrons) found in the atoms of each element and how the
electrons are arranged in the empty space around the nucleus of those atoms.
Assignment: 1. Choose one element from the periodic table and research its
physical properties, its compounds , useful ways the element or compounds
are used, origin , number of subatomic particles, isotopes of that element etc.
2. Then create a superhero to represent that element and its
unique qualities.
3. Design a poster depicting your superhero , and its name. Draw
an illustration of your superhero complete with its costume . On your poster,
you must explain what the special abilities of your superhero are and how they
are related to the properties of the element you have researched. Be creative.
The poster should include:
a) your character’s name .
b) the standard atomic notation for the element
c) a colour picture of your superhero with 6 (minimum) to 8 attached, typed labels of
its key superpowers or characteristics. For each one explain how it is linked to the
information gathered on the element .
d) a Bohr diagram of an atom of that element (Elements 1-20 only) and or number of
subatomic particles in the atom (protons, electrons and neutrons)
e) the ion formed by an atom of that element.
4. Present your superhero to the class (approx. 2-4 minutes
maximum ). Be enthusiastic and informative. If you would like you may dress
up as your superhero and talk in the first person. Maybe you would like to read
a short story you wrote about an adventure that involves your character and
its special powers.
Due date: ______________________________________________
Evaluation:
1. Poster:(Application) /35
a) Quality of superhero diagram /6
b) Creative superhero name /2
c) 6-8 typed labels of superpowers and characteristics with clear accurate links to element /16
d) Neatness, correct grammar and spelling /5
e) Standard atomic notation /2
f) Ion formation /1
g) Bohr diagram / number of subatomic particles /3
2. Oral Presentation: (Communication) /15
a) Delivery (enthusiasm, clarity, inflection , use of an accent etc) /3
b) Informative presentation ( student shows a command of the information and conveys that
information to the audience throughout the presentation) /5
c) Timing (presentation was between 2-4 minutes) /2
d) Quality of the presentation (student was well-rehearsed with few pauses, good eye contact
and appropriate grammar useage./5
9
Example : Beryllium, Be (4 protons, 5 neutrons, 4 electrons)
4
: a shiny lead gray metal , solid at room temperature, sweet to the taste, but very
toxic
: one of the lightest of all metals (density =1.85 g/cm3) ,it has one of the highest
melting points of all metals (m.p.= 1278 C),
: it forms alloys that are light and stiff and can be used as a structural material for
high speed aircraft, missiles, the space shuttle, and communications satellites.
:a component of the minerals (compounds) emerald and aquamarine .
: Isotopes Be-7 , Be-9 , and Be- 10
: member of the Alkaline Earth Metals, Group 2, Period 2, representative element
: discovered in 1798 by Fredrich Wohler, present in the mineral beryl
: hardness: able to scratch glass
: transmits X-rays 17 times better than aluminum and is used in X-ray windows
:beryllium –copper alloys are strong and wear resistant; used in gyroscopes,
computer parts and instruments
Class Brainstorming Activity for Beryllium
Superhero Name:____________________________________
Ideas for superhero qualities or superpowers:
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________________
6. ____________________________________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________________________________
8. ____________________________________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________________________________
10.____________________________________________________________________
Elemental Hero Research : Student Worksheet
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________
Element Chosen: ________________________________
Students will research their element using the computer, their textbook
etc. and record the information on the sheet provided. If your element is a gas
at room temperature, there will be some physical properties that do not apply.
Skip them. Below are some web sites that will get you started.
: http://www.webelements.com/
:http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/
A: General Information
Group __________ Period ________ Chemical Group Name: (if any)___________________
Standard Atomic Notation ___________ : _____ Protons, ___ Electrons , ____ Neutrons
Bohr Diagram : ( required for Elements 1-20 only)
Ion formed: _________
Metal/Metalloid /Nonmetal ______________________
B. Physical Properties:
1. State at room temperature:____________________
2. Colour : ______________________________________
3. Lustre: _______________________________________
4. Malleable? ____________________________________
5. Ductile?_______________________________________
6. Density _______________________________________
7. Conductor of Heat/Electricity?_________________
8. Melting Point: _________________________________
9. Boiling Point : _________________________________
10. Hardness ____________________________________
11. Other: e.g. flame test colour?____________________
C. Uses of the Element or its Compounds
1. ______________________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________________
D. Origin and Discovery of this Element
Study the information you have collected. What are some of the
characteristics or superpowers of your superhero? They should relate to the
information for the element. (6 minimum)
1. _________________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________________________________________
6. _________________________________________________________________________________
7. _________________________________________________________________________________
8. _________________________________________________________________________________
Give your superhero a name: ____________________________________________________
Draw a sketch of your superhero:
Now you are ready to begin your poster.