We will use the Big 6 Model to organize the project. The Big 6 breaks down research tasks into six steps:

1) Task Definition: Each student will produce a 100 x 120 pixel image that represents their element, and a short audio "podcast" with information about the element.

2) Information Seeking: Information seeking will occur primarily via the Internet. The following sites are suggested starting points:

• www.chemtopics.com/elements.htm

• www.webelements.com

• www.chemicalelements.com

• periodic.lanl.gov/default.htm
• http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ 

3) Location and Access: A computer lab or netbook cart is reserved on Tuesday through Thursday to provide time to work on the project. If the project isn't completed during this time frame, you will have to find out-of-class time to complete the project.

4) Information Use: How are you going to use the information sources? Specifically, what information do you want to know about your element?

• Chemical Symbol
• Average Atomic Mass
• Number of protons and neutrons in most common isotope
• Physical Properties (color, appearance, solid/liquid/gas, etc.)
• Chemical Properties (is it reactive or inert?)
• Abundance (Is the element common or rare? Where would it be found?)
• Uses
• etc. 

5) Synthesis: What should the final project look and sound like?

Image:

• should be original, creative, and neat.
• Size should be 100 x 120 pixels. 
• Should be saved as a .jpg or .gif file

Podcast:

• 30 seconds to a minute long
• Should be saved as an .mp3 file

6) Evaluation: How will the project be graded?

Image (5 points)

• Correct Symbol (1)
• Correct Atomic Number (1)
• Proper formatting (100 x 120 pixel image) (1)
• Creativity, neatness, visual appeal (2) 

Podcast (5 points)

• Clarity, organization, and expression (2)
• Length (30 seconds to 1 minute) (1)
• Completeness of information (2)

Links:

Front Page 

Periodic Table