Title – PowerPoint Elements Activity

By – Linda J. Cooke

Primary Subject – Science

Secondary Subject – Computer & Internet

Grade Level – 8th

Concept / Topic to Teach:

Chemistry

8th Grade Standards Addressed:

North Carolina Science Competency Goal 4:
The learner will conduct investigations and utilize technology and information systems to build an understanding of chemistry.

Objective 4.03: Classifying elements and identifying properties of elements.

North Carolina Computer Skills Competency Goal 2:

The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computers and other technologies.

General Goal(s):

The learner will create a twelve to fifteen PowerPoint slide show on a specific element from the periodic table.

Specific Objectives:

Students will access the North Carolina Science Teacher Association web site for their research on specific elements to create their individual PowerPoint slide shows.

Required Materials:

Computer lab with internet connections and Microsoft PowerPoint software on each computer. LCD projector and screen.

Anticipatory Set (Lead-In):

Students should have been introduced to the periodic table and its organization before this lesson is introduced. In addition, they should be familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint.

The teacher will present a slide show that she has prepared on the element, cobalt, as a guide to this activity. Students will be asked at to write at least three paragraphs on the application of this element as well as the hazardous effects upon animals and the environment.

Step-By-Step Procedures for Independent Practice:

• Students will access the North Carolina Science Teachers Association web site
  
  www.ncsta.org
  
  , double-click on the “learning material” link, then double-click on the “chemistry” link and finally click on the “Online Periodic Table.”

• Their research will be conducted from this interactive site.

• The teacher will let students draw pre-selected elements in order to insure that each student will have a different interesting element.

• From their research on this site, they must locate the following information about the element:
  • Name
    
  • Abbreviation
    
  • Atomic Number
    
  • Melting and Boiling Point
    
  • Year of discovery and by whom
    
  • Brief description of the element
    
  • Application
    
  • Picture
    
  • Hazardous effects on animals
    
  • Hazardous effects on the environment

• Research should be done with notecards, not printed from the lab. In my experience letting them print out the information is time and paper consuming.

• After they have completed their research:
  • Each student will create their own PowerPoint slide show that presents the
    information they researched.
  • They should have at least ten
    slides and no more than twelve.
  • The slides must have
    transitions, at least two sound effects and creative
    graphics.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set) and Assessment:

Each child via a LCD projector will present their slide show to the class. Students will score each presentation according to the following rubric:
• Complete information on all eleven research facts of the element – 6 points
  
• Quality of the presentation – 3 points
  
• Transitions, sound effects, and creativity – 2 points

Adaptations (For Students with Learning Disabilities):

Extra time and tutorial help from the teacher, resource teacher or tutors.

Extensions (For Gifted Students):

Because of how this lesson is designed, gifted students will be able to extend the basic parameters of this lesson.

Possible Connections to Other Subjects:

Language Arts and Computer Skills

E-Mail

Linda J. Cooke

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