You are an author trying to increase the popularity of your children's reference book series. To do this your publisher has indicated that there are entirely too few science books written specifically for children on the topic of the periodic table. Your publisher wants you and your writer friends to write a series of books on the elements that will include all of the basic information about the elements while making the elements appeal to a young audience.

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Learning Advice | Evaluation

Write a children's book appropriate for a third or fourth grade child on the topic of the element you are assigned. The format of your book should include:
Cover: the book's cover should have the name of your atom, your name and class.
Table of Contents: one or two pages long and listing the interesting stuff you've put in your book.
Basic Information: atomic number, atomic mass, symbol, a simplified drawing of the atomic nucleus (color code the particles). Your description of the element should include a short history of the element, what it looks like in its pure form, its physical state at room temperature (solid, liquid or gas), how common the element is in nature, where it is found, how you make pure samples of the element, common uses for the element. (6 or more pages)
Compounds the Atom Can Make: include two compounds giving their names, formula and what they are used for. (1 page each compound)
Glossary: your glossary should include at least ten (10) words included in your book with appropriate definitions and pronunciation key. Color code the words of the glossary where they appear in the book. This is where descriptions of words like proton, nucleus, etc. will take place. Don't waste space on the book pages with wordy explanations of terms you can fit here. (2-4 pages)
Sources: websites, books, etc. used to prepare this project.

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Learning Advice | Evaluation

Check out the following resources to help you research your project:
Your TEXTBOOK
Web Elements
Links to Periodic Tables
LennTech Periodic Table
History of the Elements from Los Alamos National Laboratory
History of Chemistry
Nifty clip art
Clipart Connection
Atomic Structure
Pictorial Periodic Table
Environmental Chemistry.com's Periodic Table
Google.com Search Engine
Elementymology
Chem4Kids
ChemicalElements.com

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Learning Advice | Evaluation

Make a list of everything you need to know about the element. Use this checklist as you construct your book. Points will be deducted for missed information. Take a look at the grading rubric that is included at the end of the webquest so you have an idea of what you should include in your checklist.

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Learning Advice | Evaluation

Be sure that your project is:
Chemically accurate: now is not the time to make stuff up. While creativity is appreciated, don't lose points supplying incorrect information in an attempt at levity.
Neatly done: it doesn't need to be done on the computer, however, hand written books need to be written neatly with clear printing. White out is a bad thing. If you make a mistake on a page, start over!
Correctly spelled: one point will be deducted per misspelled word. If you are not sure about the spelling, look it up, or use spell check.
Done to specifications: the finished size should be 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. That is the size of standard printer paper, folded in half.
Colorful: but not distractingly so.
On time: there will be a full letter grade deduction per day late.

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Learning Advice | Evaluation

Click here to download a copy of this checklist.

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