Sunshine State Standard

SC.A.1.3.1

Materials

Objects of two, or more, different materials, but same physical size and shape. For example aluminum and iron rods.

What to do

1. Using the Periodic table of Elements, identify the makeup of the atom's nucleus but using the atomic number (which equals the number of protons) and then subtracting that number from the mass number which will then equal the number of neutrons.

2. Compare the number of protons and neutrons in the various elements.

3. Have the students feel the difference in the mass (weight) of the materials being used.

4. Discuss the fact that the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atoms affects the materials MASS (weight).

Additional Information

Materials for this project can be obtained from most any machine shop's scrap pile. Contact them and see what they have to offer.

Submitted by

William Buhler

Lee County
Lehigh Acres, FL
WilliamB@lee.k12.fl.us