CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE PROJECTS

1. Element Project (Chemistry)- Students pick an element (no duplicates until I get over 118 students doing this).- They each create a 6” x 6” color tile of their element and turn in the required sheet of information. - The tiles are then voted on and if this year’s tile is better than last year’s tile, it goes up on the

class periodic table.

2. It’s Elemental (Chemistry)- Use the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics or the internet to research the following

questions about the elements:1. How many elements are names for people?2. How many elements are names for countries?3. How many elements are names for cities?4. How many elements are named for mythical figures or Gods?5. What town has four elements named for it?6. What elements (name them) were known to ancient humans?7. What elements were discovered before 1800s?8. What elements were discovered between 1801 and 1900?9. What elements were discovered between 1901 and the present?10. What elements are man-made?BONUS: Create a data table and line graph for the information in #9.

3. Connect Art and Science (Chemistry)- Find a reproduction of any of George Seurat’s artwork. Relate what you see to thoughts of

Democritus about the atom. Be an artist!

- Prepare a 1-2 page, double spaced, 12 font Times New Roman, typed report. You must provide citations with this report using the MLA style.

4. Real World Chemicals (Chemistry)- Search the internet for at least three examples of new materials being developed by various

chemical manufacturers (DuPont, Dow, Eastman, etc.). - Prepare a report discussing the details of the developments. Determine how they are being used

in todays’ society. Prepare a 1-2 page, double spaced, 12 font Times New Roman, typed report. You must provide citations with this report using the MLA style.

5. Chemistry – Our Health, Our Future (Chemistry)- Chemistry is everywhere and is important to our health. Whether it’s the medicines that make us

well, to the hygiene products that keep us clean, and even the vitamins and minerals that supplement our diets. Chemistry is involved in maintaining our health and future.

- Choose two achievements in the health field where the transforming power of chemistry is displayed. Prepare a 1-2 page, double spaced, 12 font Times New Roman, typed report. You must provide citations with this report using the MLA style.

6. The Big Chill (Chemistry)- Problem: Which substances offer the best insulation

from heat transfer by conduction, convection, or radiation?

- Materials: fiberglass insulation, wood, Styrofoam, cardboard, etc. (Just suggestions, you are the final decision-maker on the structure.)

1. Design and build a container for a “pet” ice cube. 2. The container cannot be bigger than 15cm on any side. 3. The container must have an opening to accommodate an

ice cube – see photo. 4. All containers must be original creations. (In other words, Tupperware and Thermos

products, or any other manufactured products are not allowed.)5. The final project must operate at room temperature without electricity.6. We will not work on this in class at all.7. Once you give the project to me on the due date, you may not touch it again until you get

your grade for it days later.- Grading: You may work by yourself or in a team of two (you and one other person). Each

member of the team must participate fully in the project. There will be no free rides. Don’t choose someone who is not going to work! The container will be graded as follows:

- Construction – built neatly by hand (25 pts), completed on time (10pts), all sides no more than 15cm long (5 pts each side)

- Efficiency – based on life span of ice cube. < 2hr (25pts), 2.0-3.0 hr (35 pts), 3.5-4.0 hrs (40 pts), 4.5-5.0 hrs (45 pts), >5 hrs (50 pts)

- There will be bonus points for being one of the top three finishers in your class, for ice cubes lasting longer then 8 hrs, for best design, and for parent signature on form.

7. Project READ (Chemistry)- Choose a book from the list on my website (the list is also available in the classroom). The book

must be at least 250 pages. You can read several books by the same author or on the same topic to meet this requirement. If you want to read a book that is not on the list, you must seek my permission – make an appointment, bring the book with you. You have to choose your book and submit the title to me. No one can read the same book, so choose with care and choose quickly. You must consider a back-up book in case yours has been chosen.

- You must do three things after you read the book: A. Write a 100 word summary; B. Pick one choice from the A List; and C. Pick one choice from the B List.

8. Element Project (Physical Science)- You will be able to pick an element to research (first come on element choices and no two students

can pick the same element). After gathering information, you will select one of the following project options:

- Options:1. Mobile: Mobiles must be able to hang from the ceiling and should be sturdy.2. Cube: Cubes must be made of poster board and a minimum of 20 centimeters on all sides. All

information should be clearly organized on five sides of the cube. Seams on the cube should be neat.

3. Poster: Neatly display all required information on one side of the poster. The information should be clearly organized with headings.

4. 3-D Model: Model should accurately represent the atomic structure (protons, neutrons, electrons) of your element. Model should be able to hang from ceiling or sit on table. Model should also include a label identifying the element. A typed paper (12 point font, 1 inch margins) with the required information should accompany your model.

9. Matter Children’s Book (Physical Science)- Objective: To develop a deeper understanding of the classification of matter.- Task: Your assignment is to create a child's book on matter. (Create the book with young

kids, ages 3-8, in mind.) Your book should include the following:a. Definition of matter.b. Description of the three (3) states of matter (see below for which ones) with

examples.c. Description of the two (2) classifications (see below for which ones) of matter

with examples.d. Description of physical properties and changes with examples.e. Description of chemical properties and changes with examples.

- Your book must be complete, neat, colorful and attractive. It must be able to catch the attention of a young child; color is a great tool to accomplish this. In addition, you must include a cover page with a picture and creative title. You will also need to include several pictures throughout your book. Books should be between 4-8 pages (front and back). Be sure to include your name and class period on your book as well. Your children’s book will be graded using the following rubric so be sure to cover each assigned topic.

10. Marble Roller Coaster Project (Physical Science)- Research, design, and build a roller coaster. Your roller coaster cannot be prefabricated or from

a kit. It must have at least 2 hills (including the starting point), one loop, cannot have a top, and must be free-standing. Your roller coaster will transport a marble that you supply (you can use any model or size marble).

- You must bring your marble when the project is tested and presented. Be sure to include your name and class period on your project/rubric.

- Recommended materials: Measuring tape, hot glue gun, foam pipe insulation, wood, plastic, Styrofoam.

11. Electricity and Magnetism Poster (Physical Science)