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Study the Elements that Make up Our World (Grades 5-8)

Each week in this ongoing class we will explore a different element from the Periodic Table and learn how chemistry creates our world.
Kelly McGrath
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(868)
Popular
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week
Assessment
I will discuss the lessons with learners throughout each class and correct as needed. I always encourage learners to ask questions to make sure they understand the concept and can make connections between the element and other parts of chemistry.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Ever wondered what the universe is made of? Elements! How can these elements create all the substances in the universe? Join this class to find out the many ways elements combine and interact to create our world. Each week we study a different element from the Periodic Table (in order of atomic number), by listening, reading, drawing, taking notes, and discussing.

In this class learners will:
~ Watch a slideshow giving background information about the element
~ Listen as I explain facts about the element
~ Discuss previous knowledge they may have of the element and the chemistry of how atoms of the element work
~ Take notes about the properties, uses, and origin of the element
~ Draw an atom of the element and learn the Lewis Dot Structure chemists use to show chemical reactions involving this element
~ Watch short videos showing reactions with the element

After each class learners will know things like:
~ Name and symbol of an element
~ Atomic number and location on the Periodic Table
~ Melting, freezing, and boiling points of the element
~ Unusual reactions this element may have and the chemical reasons why these reactions occur
~ How the element is typically found in nature
~ What humans tend to do with the element

2024-2025 School Year
~ Neodymium (Sept. 8-14)
~ Promethium (Sept. 15-21)
~ Samarium (Sept. 22-28)
~ Europium (Sept. 29-Oct. 5)
~ Gadolinium (Oct. 6-12)
NO CLASS OCT. 13-19
~ Terbium (Oct. 27-Nov. 2) 
~ Dysprosium (Nov. 3-9)
~ Holmium (Nov. 10-16)
NO CLASS NOV. 17-23
~ Erbium (Nov. 24-30)
~ Thulium (Dec. 1-7)
~ Ytterbium (Dec. 8-14)
~ Lutetium (Dec. 15-21)
NO CLASS DEC. 22-JAN. 4
~ Hafnium (Jan. 5-11)
~ Tantalum (Jan. 12-18)
~ Tungsten (Jan. 19-25)
~ Rhenium (Jan. 26-Feb. 1)
~ Osmium (Feb. 2-8)
~ Iridium (Feb. 9-15)
~ Platinum (Feb. 16-22)
~ Gold (Feb. 23-Mar. 1)
~ Mercury (Mar. 2-8)
~ Thallium (Mar. 9-15)
~ Lead (Mar. 16-22)
~ Bismuth (Mar. 23-29)
~ Polonium (Mar. 30-Apr. 5)
~ Astatine (Apr. 6-12)
~ Radon (Apr. 13-19)
NO CLASS APRIL 20-26
~ Francium (Apr. 27-May 3)
~ Radium (May 4-10)
~ Actinium (May 11-17)
~ Thorium (May 18-24)

Learning Goals

Students will know facts about the elements that make up our universe, and they will understand that the elements are the building blocks of existence.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Some elements are used for purposes such as weaponry and that may be discussed in class. We also might discuss the Big Bang (depending on the element) and how elements are created in stars that spread the elements throughout the universe when they explode.
Supply List
Each week learners will need a blank sheet of paper and a pen or pencil.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
4.9
868reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from St. Cloud State University
I specialize in finding fun twists to standard curriculum to help my students build critical thinking skills as well as scientific knowledge.  I taught homeschool students in community centers for 15 years, and I've been teaching science and math courses on Outschool for 3 years.  I have specifically taught chemistry classes and the elementary, middle, and high school level.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$16

weekly

1x per week
50 min
Completed by 31 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-8 learners per class

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