Grade: Senior
Subject: Science

#4069. Periodic Table unit

Science, level: Senior
Posted Mon Dec 17 17:04:24 PST 2007 by R. Black (huskyol74@yahoo.com).
Materials Required: Computers and other technologies
Activity Time: a week or two
Concepts Taught: Periodic Table, families of elements

These are a unit that should be complete in order. I think they can by fun for students.

Lesson 1:
Content
This lesson will use a PowerPoint presentation to introduce students to the periodic table and the families of elements.
Benchmarks
SCI.IV.1.HS.2
Learning Resources and Materials
Students will need a notebook and writing utensil to keep notes during the presentation.
Development of Lesson
Introduction
This will be the first in a series of three lessons on the periodic table and the families of elements. This will give the students the background information that they will need in order to complete the following two lessons.
Methods/Procedures
For this lesson students will listen and respond to a lecture given by the teacher using PowerPoint. Students will be encouraged to take notes, respond to questions, and ask questions of their own. This lesson will include the background knowledge that the students will need to understand in order to move on with the unit, and obtain a good grade.
Accommodations/Adaptations
For students who may have difficulty with the lecture, print outs of the slides can be made available to them to make it easier for them to follow along and take notes. Also a typed copy of spoken notes can be made available so that they can be referenced later if they missed them originally.
Assessment/Evaluation
As the lesson progresses the students will be asked to answer questions on the periodic table. If the majority of the students feel comfortable with the information that they have received the lesson will progress. If the students are having difficulty with the lesson, then more time and examples will be used to further explain.
Closure
At the end of this lesson the teacher will explain to the students how this lecture will related to the next lessons, and any final questions that they have will be answered.
Teacher Reflection
This introduction lesson can be very useful in starting off a unit on the periodic table. The students may find the presentation more interesting then reading notes off of a overhead, or out of the book.

Lesson 2:
Content
Students will use a Webquest to expand upon and reinforce the information and knowledge from the lecture.
Benchmarks
SCI.IV.2.HS.1
MET Standard -- High School - Basic Concepts #7
Learning Resources and Materials
Students will need a access to a computer that is connected to the internet.
Development of Lesson
Introduction
In preparation for this lesson, students have listened to an introductory lecture on the periodic table and families of elements. This lesson will help to further their learning using technology.
Methods/Procedures
Students will work in partners to complete the Webquest that at the following address, http://web.utk.edu/~ssmith40/elementquest.htm. They will follow the directions and turn in their answers at the end of the Webquest. Students must try to answer any questions they my have using the Internet as a resource. If they cannot locate the answer they may then ask the teacher.
Accommodations/Adaptations
Students my type or write their answers to the questions in any way they prefer.
Assessment/Evaluation
Students' answers will be graded and handed back.
Closure
After the graded work is returned the teacher will go over all of the correct answers with the students. Students will have an opportunity to see what they missed and why they got it wrong. Questions are more then welcome.
Teacher Reflection
This lesson is a different way to get extra work in on a topic without assigning questions from the textbook. Students may find this lesson more exciting to do then normal class work.

Lesson 3:
Content
In this lesson students will use the program Inspiration to plan a presentation that involves a family of elements from the periodic table. Then the students will create the presentation using a form of media of their choosing.
Benchmarks
SCI.IV.2.HS.1
MET Standard -- High School - Basic Concepts #7 & #13
MET Standard -- High School -- Technology Productivity Tools #5 & #8
Learning Resources and Materials
Students will need a computer with Inspiration loaded on it, textbook and any notes on periodic table. They will also need to access research materials and to the technology they wish to use to create their presentation
Development of Lesson
Introduction
In preparation for this lesson, students must have been listened to a lecture and completed a Webquest on the periodic table. They will also be given an introduction to Inspiration. This should prepare the students for the project.
Methods/Procedures
Students will be placed into 8 groups of 4 or 5 for this lesson. Each group will be assigned a specific family of elements. They will then use Inspiration to plan their presentation. They will then need to choose a way to present their project using some sort of Technology. They can use the technology in any way they see fit. It can be a PowerPoint, a video, or any other format as long as it is cleared with the teacher. They will get a week or so to research their family of elements and put the presentation together then present it to the class. Each presentation must include: the elements in the group, common properties, common compounds, common uses for the elements/compounds, and any other interesting facts that relate to these elements.
Accommodations/Adaptations
Students having difficulties with project must be given a role within the group that will allow them to function at their highest abilities. Also a written rubric will be handed out to all groups so that it can be easily followed.
Assessment/Evaluation
The presentations will be graded on content, creativity, and use of technology. Individuals will also give evaluations of their other group members so that everyone receives a fair grade.
Closure
At the end of the unit the teacher will give a brief summary and recap all of the different families of elements. The teacher will go over any remaining information that the groups my have left out. Any questions will be answered and the teacher will help students draw connections to past and future lessons.
Teacher Reflection
This lesson can be very good for students. It allows them to teach each other rather than listening to lectures day after day. They also are able to use technology that normally would not use everyday.