Students in Ms. Whitaker’s CP Chemistry classes brought the periodic table to life through an annual Element Project. Each student selected an element, researched its history and uses, and then created a detailed model of the atom to present to the class.
The results were as unique as the students themselves! Some projects lit up with lights, others sparkled, and no two models looked alike.
“Each project is different and I love doing this assignment every year,” said Ms. Whitaker.
Students not only displayed their creativity but also uncovered fascinating facts. Logan Blankenbach, 11, who chose oxygen, said, “I chose mine because it’s well known. But I found out that oxygen is paramagnetic.”
Aliyanna Napier, 11 discovered the importance of nitrogen in our world, explaining, “I’m glad I chose nitrogen because I learned a lot about it. I found out that 78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen. Without it, the food cycle would fall apart.”
Other students went for elements with a dramatic edge. Ayesha Humayun, for example, learned that phosphorus is often called the “devil’s element.” “It’s highly reactive and poisonous. It’s in fireworks and matchsticks,” she shared.
As part of the assignment, students were required to include the element’s symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass, as well as who discovered it and how it is used today. They then presented their findings to the class alongside their models.
Ultimately students were proud to show off their hard work. Whether glowing with lights or shimmering with sparkles, each project demonstrated not only creativity but also a deeper understanding of the building blocks of our world.
