Author Topic: Chem Project Ideas (Read 5051 times)

Mith · « **on:** January 30, 2009, 04:54:05 PM »

Well I have a chemistry project coming up where we have to research an element and write a paper on it then do a visual aid type thing. I'm not really sure which element I want to do, was wondering if anyone had any ideas what would be a really interesting element to research, and make sure that there is enough info to research on it. Probably not a synthetic element, one that occurs naturally.

Also, I have to do some type of creative visual aid. I don't have to present it, but it can't just be something like a poster, my teacher wants something original. If anyone has any good ideas for a creative visual aid I would love to hear them.

Rypto · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2009, 05:00:03 PM »

Is there a specific element assigned to you? If not, maybe you could choose Helium and do something with balloons. You could put various amounts of helium into different balloons and see which one goes the highest.

MrMxyzptlk · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2009, 05:06:53 PM »

Everyone knows about Hydrogen, THE most abundant element in the universe, but what do they know about "Heavy Hydrogen" (aka Deuterium?!?)

Most of your friends won't even think about the isotopic elements, so chances are low that anyone else will pick this one, and it's a VERY interesting element (and naturally-occurring, of course!)

It's also got some great history to it, too....

Possible visual aid: Make models of "normal" and "heavy" Hydrogen out of styrofoam balls. (Careful if you PAIN THEM, tho! Use water-based paint or the styrofoam will melt!) Or show the ratio of normal-to-heavy mix found in nature with two colors of Airsoft ammo in a clear plastic box....

jim360 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2009, 05:14:06 PM »

I tihnk Helium is a good one - on top of the balloon idea, it was an element first discovered by studing Fraunhofer lines in the heliospectrum, marking an important step in that sort of chemistry. Links with physics too, since a Helium Nucleus is an alpha particle (radioactivity), and Spectral lines relate to photon emission and electron orbit quantisation - the Old Quantum Theory... lots of possibilities.

You could, too, bring in Nuclear fusion, which involves Deuterium and Tritium to make Helium and hopefully release lots of energy (and neatly bringing in Mxy's idea of Deuterium into the bargain), and of course the little squeaky-voice effect of helium/ balloons...

Supercooled helium at 3K or so reveals some interesting behaviours of low-temperature matter...

Basically go for helium Mith. That's my advice.

TriKstA · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2009, 05:18:55 PM »

I remember choosing neon for a similiar project like yours. Had quite a difficult time getting some depth information on the known element, probably not the best choice for a research project but at least had a colorful display.

I agree with the hydrogen choice as well, you could tie in a theme to led zeppelin if you wanted too.

BFM_Edison · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2009, 06:20:04 PM »

Helium and Fluorine are always fun to inhale. Well, not Fluorine... But it's a fun element.

Miser · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2009, 07:10:13 PM »

I prefer to hide a chunk of potassium in empty glasses, put a water pitcher next to it, and set up a video camera.

jk...... dont do that.

BFM_Edison · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2009, 10:21:43 PM »

Do it with Francium instead!

Mith · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2009, 04:04:21 PM »

OOOHHH ya Francium!! Blow the house up!

Thanks for the good ideas! Please, if anyone still has an idea, I would love to here it.
Oh, and another thing, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to use isotopes. I could be wrong, I would have to check
on Monday.

MrMxyzptlk · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2009, 10:18:57 PM »

Quote from: BFM_Mith on January 31, 2009, 04:04:21 PM

OOOHHH ya Francium!! Blow the house up!

Thanks for the good ideas! Please, if anyone still has an idea, I would love to here it.
Oh, and another thing, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to use isotopes. I could be wrong, I would have to check
on Monday.

An even BETTER reason to use one then!!

FYI: (Almost) all naturally-occurring isotopes ARE considered to be - and classified as - "elements." E.g. Deuterium IS an element....