*Physical Science*
Mrs. Kelly's  Discovery Project

Please Note: For the Microsoft Word version of this worksheet which can be printed out, please click here



Introduction:   Diamonds are more than sparkling gems. They also happen to be one of the hardest materials on Earth. You are a scientist trying to see if there is a way to make diamonds harder.  All diamonds are made up of carbon atoms. Some diamonds come out of the ground. Some are made in a lab. Before you start your research, you must know something about atoms, the Periodic Table, and chemical bonding.

Question: Based on your research, you will predict whether diamonds can be made harder.

Prediction: ____________________________________________________

Process: You will begin your research by answering the following questions using the links to the web sites.  Please make sure you read through the entire web site to find the answers. Answer in complete sentences. 




Topics:  1.  Atoms
             2. Elements
             3. Periodic Table
             4. Atoms and Bonding

Your Assignment: Use the following cool science links to investigate the above topics. Answer all questions on a separate answer sheet.
 

1.  How does an electron move around the nucleus of an atom?
2.  Describe an electron cloud

1.  Can we see atoms?
2.  What kind of microscope is used to study atoms?

1.  What is the use of the chemical element Barium (Ba)?

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2.  When was Unununium (Uuu) discovered?

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3.  What is the melting point of Arsenic?

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Do the chemistry drill game. List four (4) elements that  you answered.

What is the “Happy Atom” concept?

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F. Ionic Bonds

Watch the movie "Dissolve". Explain how salt (NaCl) dissolves in water.

 

The orbital images on this page represent the shape of the atomic orbitals. The clouds you see are the probability
      distribution of an electron bound to a Hydrogen nucleus.  These pages appeared on Mr. Dauger's site.

G.  Now that you have some background on atoms and bonding, make a prediction about whether the hardness of diamonds can be changed. Look at the structure of diamonds at

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/composition.html

What are diamonds made of? What is their structure?

 

 

 

 

 

H.     Finally, research what other scientists have done. Go to http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20040303/Note2.asp

What new technique was used by scientists to make the hardest diamond crystal ever tested? Was your prediction correct? Why or why not?

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Evaluation: Rubric


 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

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