La tabla periódica de los cuentos

Certain elements of the Periodic Table lend themselves to "personification." In NJ they allowed me to rename every student with an element name. The students were not allowed to use their real names ever. Not on homework, not in the class, period. They learned other elements as a natural consequence of just asking each other favors. Like Mr. Chromium would you please pass me the graduated cylinder. Each student was required to write their own "Element Story." A fictional story using their element name in proper context once. The rest was pure grade school age creative writing. This class replicates that live class activity and includes demonstrations of specific elements to jump start writing ideas. 

Element 1 - Phosphorus.  A 4th grader wrote his element story and it was so GREAT it was part o fa publication n the Materials Research Society "Bulletin." We will read this story together and explore the background experiences of the student that inspired him. 
Element 2 - Helium. I will have helium as part of this and demonstrate how your vocal cords tuned for "air " can be fooled by breathing in a lighter molecular weight gas and produce funny consequences. Although when most children contemplate a fictional story involving helium it is being carried away by handful of balloons. 
Element 3 - Iron. We will discuss why they are called the Pittsburgh Steelers  instead of the Stealers. It is all about the chemistry of steel, rust and what makes stainless; Not Superman. 
Element 4 - Sodium. One of the most reactive elements known to man, yet we sprinkle sodium chloride table salt on everything we eat. The chemistry behind the sodium story makes for explosive inspiration.