Chemical Elements in Cells

Summary

Students will understand the chemical elements that compose cells. They will be able to connect each element to something they are familiar with. They should demonstrate this by correctly identifying flash cards made by their peers.

Materials

• Periodic tables
• blank paper
• colored pencils
• computers
• books
• posters of periodic table

Background for Teachers

Students think that chemical elements are abstract and tiny.

Instructional Procedures

Hook: Have the acronym CHNOPS written largely on the board. See if students can guess in 20 questions what they letters stand for.

1. Tell students these chemical elements will be the most important elements they will ever learn about.
2. Students are to create flash cards of these elements.
3. On the back of the card the name should be written lightly in pencil
4. On the front of the card students should draw a picture of something that represents that element
5. Ex. For carbon they could draw coal, or a tree etc.
6. Students may complete this activity by themselves or in groups of 3.
7. Students should then turn their flash cards in.
8. Rotate each set of cards through the table.
9. Students should keep track of their individual scores.
10. Students should try to average 85% or above.
11. Go over all cards together as a class. Make sure to bring up important applications if the students did not mention them.

Assessment Plan

Sample Scoring guide:

Cards contain an accurate pictorial representation........................12 points
Students pass quizzes with 85%.......................10 points

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.