Superhero Mission and Periodic Trends
Superhero/Villain Project:
During this project, we were assigned a random element on the periodic table that we had to research, turn into a superhero or villain with powers based on the properties of the element we received, and then write a story or paper on our element superhero/villain. The purpose of this project was to learn about all of the elements on the periodic table in a more interactive and fun way. We had to present our element and hero/villain to the class for a few minutes, so we were all taught something about each element.
Actinium:
The mini poster for an extra element I did! Actinium is very radioactive, causing it to shine bright naturally. That's why its new slogan is: Radioactivity so high, its glow can be seen from the sky!
Periodic Trends Lab:
During this lab, we tested how different metals would react when added to H₂O, HCl, and other liquid substances. We looked for whether or not a precipitate or gas formed, and if the color, temperature, litmus paper, or metal changed. The purpose of this investigation was to find trends in the periodic table (PT) regarding the reactivity and solubility of alkaline earth metals. We used our results to determine the trend in metal activity within a group and across a period in the PT.
Pictures from the lab:
Here are some pictures of the reactions and results we saw from our lab!
H₂O reactions!
HCl reactions!
Na₂CO₃, Na₂SO₄, and KIO₃ reactions!
The unknown metal!
Reflection:
The element superhero/villain assignment was very fun for me! It was our first individual project so it felt good to work on something by myself and be my own leader for a little. I learned a lot about my element antimony and I was really engaged the whole time, including during the presentations. One category I excelled in throughout this project was critical thinking. Usually my critical thinking skills aren't the best because we always do things in groups and I am able to just ask questions when I am confused, but since I was on my own, I had to think by myself and find solutions to any problems/questions I had. One category that I could have done better in, however, was conscientious learning. I managed my time very well this time, but my health and wellness wasn't where it should be during this project. I was pretty sick during the few days we worked on this, so my mind and motivation weren't all there. That being said, I still completed the assignment on time, it just wasn't as good as it could have been.
The periodic trends lab was also pretty fun. I had to work alone for this one as well since my partner wasn't there, but I learned a lot and worked efficiently. I loved seeing the reactions made from each metal being mixed with a substance. Being able to determine trends from the periodic table based on these reactions was super cool as well! One category that I worked well in was conscientious learning. I was fast with my experiments and observations and got the whole lab done on time. I also cleaned up well and understood everything that was happening during it. I was very organized as well! However, one category I could have improved in was communication. I didn't really have anyone to communicate with since I was by myself, but I could have told my partner what we did in class, what reactions occurred, and why these occurred based on trends in the periodic table. This would have been better for my partner if my communication skills improved.