Element ProjectSuperhero or Villain

Trading CardInstructions & Example

Introduction• You have been hired by Elements of the Universe, a comic book

publisher, to create a new superhero or villain whose appearance, characteristics and powers are based on an element in the periodic table.

• You will create a trading card for your character and present the character to the class

• This counts as a 100-point assessment (test) grade. Pay special attention to the required details so you don’t lose points. (View the Rubric on the Elements Project web site.)

• Some parts need to be done on the computer and some by hand.

Process / PartsA. Research your element . Use your research to

complete your Fact Sheet document in Google Classroom.

B. Fill out the bibliography to report your sources .

C. Design and create your trading card (project) using your Fact Sheet (instructions in this presentation). Be sure to consult the Project Rubric!

D. Present your project to the class.

Project Requirements (Rubric Part C)

1. Character’s Statistics (FACT section)

2. Character’s Backstory (CREATIVE section)

3. Drawing of Character (STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS and ILLUSTRATIONS)

Details and examples for each on the following slides.

FACT section: Character Statistics

• Secret Identity (name of the element)• Nickname (symbol)• Creation Date (date element discovered)• Scientist Responsible (discoverer)• Place of origin (country of discovery)• Height (atomic number)• Weight (average atomic mass)• Species (type of element: metal, non-metal, metalloid)• Gender (state of matter at room temperature)• Personality (boiling point & melting point)

CREATIVE Section: Character BackstoryEvery superhero or villain has a backstory. For your character, the

backstory must relate to actual facts about the element. It must include chemical and physical characteristics (include 5 total – use your Fact Sheet for these). In a paragraph of 8 sentences or more, explain the following:

• Origin – The origin must relate to where you find the element naturally or where it is manufactured

• Powers/strengths & weaknesses – Describe superpowers and identify weaknesses (e.g., Superman has kryptonite); Explain the source of those powers

• Love interest – Just like most elements have at least one other element that it is attracted to or combines with easily, you must create a love interest for your character.

ILLUSTRATION & STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS

Your character’s appearance should reflect the element represented. Additionally, your character’s costume MUST include the following:

• The element symbol with the Lewis dot structure• A Bohr diagram (the front of the shirt is a good location for this)

Surrounding the drawing of your character you MUST have the following:

• A list of the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in your element

• Descriptions of your character’s powers and abilities as they relate to the 5 physical and chemical characteristics in your backstory

Presentation (Rubric Part D)• Teach the class about your element by

sharing the information from your trading card.

• Make sure to also include data from your Fact Sheet.

• Bonus points for dressing as your character.

• Be informative and creative. Have Fun!

Hidrojen (Hydrogen)

Example – Hydrogen

Hidrojen (Hydrogen)Secret Identity (name of the element): HydrogenNickname (symbol): HCreation Date (date element discovered): 1766Scientist Responsible (discoverer): Henry CavendishPlace of origin (country of discovery): London, EnglandHeight (atomic number): 1Weight (average atomic mass): 1.01Species (type of element): Non-metalGender (state of matter at RT): GasPersonality: Melts at -259.14 °C, Boils at -252.87 °C

BackstoryHidrojen has existed since the beginning of time, but in secret – it wasn’t until 1671 that she was discovered during a reaction between a metal and an acid and she wasn’t recognized as a distinct element until 1766. Her name “Hydrogen” was still secret until 1783 when it was finally revealed to the public (although she prefers the Turkish spelling so she can go by “Jen”). Jen seems to be everywhere at once, as hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. She has spent time hanging out in stars, powering the fusion reactions they need to shine so brightly (although she has to be careful not to be turned into a heavier element like Helium), but she especially enjoys spending time with Oxygen as part of water or rocket fuel. Jen’s single valence electron means she can bond with almost any element, but she doesn’t like to be tied down (although her relationship with Oxygen has been her favorite). She can fight off villains by bonding three times with Nitrogen to create ammonia (NH3) – the resulting gaseous compound burns the eyes and sinuses, damages lungs, and can cause death (but it also has practical uses such as cleaning products and fertilizer). She can also cause the bad guys to slip and slide around and lose their footing when she creates hydrogenated fats (such as margarine). Jen’s weakness is open-flame as she is very flammable!