Telecommunications Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan Title:  The Modern Periodic Table

Discipline and Topic:  Chemistry.  This lesson will examine the development of the modern periodic table of the elements.  The important changes in the organization of the periodic table and the important chemists responsible for those changes will be studied.  The basic information that can be obtained when examining the periodic table will also be examined.  In the lesson the students will examine the website "The Periodic Table of the Elements" provided by Los Alamos Labs.

Target Population:
Grade Level:  High School
Population Characteristics:  The class will consist of 20-25 students.  Most students are in grade 11, with some accelerated students in grade 10.  The students in the class are typically high achieving and highly motivated learners.  They show interest in the subject and tend to be extremely self-motivated.
Lesson Groupings:  Pairs (due to class size and number of computers available)

Curriculum Links:  The students previously completed a lesson on the atom.  The students learned the parts of the atom, including the proton, neutron, and electrons.  The students learned about the organization of these components within an individual atom.  The students will see how this information can be applied to the organization of the periodic table.  They will learn where the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons can be obtained for specific elements using the periodic table.  In lessons that follow the students will learn about trends found within the periodic table and they will utilize information found using the periodic table to write chemical formulas, equations, and to predict the types of compounds individual elements will form.

Objectives:
Students will be able to...

• effectively utilize the computer to complete the necessary task
• understand the history of the periodic table
• understand how the current table is organized
• use the information within the periodic table to discuss the make-up of individual elements

Media Literacy Objectives:
7. Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publication, communications, and productivity.
8. Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning.

Materials and Timing:  One 45 minute lesson.  Computers with internet access needed.

Scope and Sequence:

• Review- Class will begin with a brief review of the components of the atom.  The organization of the protons, electrons, and neutrons in the atom will also be reviewed.
• Introduction of the Lesson- I will introduce the concept of the periodic table of the elements.  I will direct the students to examine the periodic table hanging in the class.  The importance of the periodic table will be stressed due to its extensive use throughout the course.
• Distribution of Materials- Each student will be provided with a copy of hte worksheet to be used in this lesson.  The students will be informed that they can work in pairs on the assignment.  Each pair will be instructed to obtain one of the class laptops (or to go sit at a computer if we must use the computer lab).  Students will be told to log-in to the network and open the internet.
• Getting Started- The directions will be read out loud to the students.  the students will be directed to go to http://periodic.lanl.gov/default.htm.  I will make sure that all students have successfully reached the desired site before moving on.  The students will be told to utilize the links above the periodic table and the information in the periodic table to complete the worksheet.  The students will be told that while they may be working in pairs, everyone is responsible for handing in their own sheet.  Each student will also be responsible for both recording information and navigating through the site.  Once all questions are answered the students will be instructed to work on the assignment.
• Getting to Work- While the students are working I will walk around the room answering any questions that the students may have.  I will also be observing the students on the computer to make sure that they are using them for the desired task and not viewing sites that are not related to the lesson.  Students should be viewing links on "What is the Periodic Table?," "How to Use the Periodic Table," and "Mendeleev's Original Table."
• Review of the Lesson- Time permitting, the information learned in this lesson will be summarized and reviewed.  If there is no time at the end of this lesson this will take place at the very beginning of the next class period.

Supplemental Materials: "Periodic Table of the Elements" Handout

Evaluation of Students:

Objectives	1 Point	2 Points	3 Points
Understands the history of the periodic table	Student does not know how Mendeleev's table was organized or how it is different from today's table.	Student can identify how Mendeleev's table was organized, but does not understand how this is different from the current table.	Student can identify the way in which Mendeleev organized the periodic table.  Student can identify how this differs from today's table.
Understands organization of current periodic table	Student does not understand that the table is organized by atomic number or that it consists of groups and periods	Student understands either the organization of the table by atomic number  or that the table is set up with groups and periods.	Student understands how current table is organized (by atomic number), including the concept of groups and periods.
Can use the information within the periodic table	Student cannot determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in an atom using the periodic table.	Student can identify the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in some atoms using the periodic table when asked.	Student can identify the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in all/most atoms using the periodic table when asked.
Efficiently used online information resources	Student did not utilize the web efficiently.  Student was often seen utilizing sites that were not related to the assignment.	Student was focused on the assignment for most of the class.  Student was seen utilizing unnecessary sites on 1-2 occasions.	Student worked diligently on the assignmnet, staying focused on the task at hand and only utilizing the necessary site.
Collaborate with peers	Student was little help to his/her partner and allowed the partner to do all the work.	Student only participated in one portion of the activity (either writing answers or utilizing the website).	Student worked well with partner.  Both partners shared in the responsibilities of the assignment.

Evaluation of the Lesson-  The success of the lesson will be evaluated based on multiple criterions.  First, the lesson will be deemed a success if the students are actively working on the task at hand throughout the allotted time period.  If students are not utilizing the website appropriately the site being used should be re-evaluated.  The lack of student focus could be a product of the content on the site being too difficult or too easy.  Similarly, if the students are having trouble maneuvering through the necessary links for the completion of the assignment a new website may need to be found.  Also, if the students were unable to finish the assignment in one class period the lesson will be re-examined and a determination will be made to shorten the lesson or to expand it.  If the students were unable to answer the questions required for the assignment the lesson and site will be re-evaluated.  The ultimate success of the lesson will be found in the lessons that follow.  If the students are able to effectively utilize the periodic table when writing chemical formulas or predicting products of chemical reactions the lesson will be deemed a success.

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