Contextualization

The periodic table is an incredibly informative and vital tool in science. It organizes all known elements into an ordered grid based on their physical and chemical properties. The elements are divided into various categories, one of which is the "nonmetals".

Nonmetals are a category of elements that have distinct properties from metals. They are predominantly found in the top right of the periodic table and include elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. They have a variety of interesting characteristics, including the tendency to gain electrons in chemical reactions, high ionization energies and electronegativities, and the formation of covalent bonds instead of ionic bonds.

Nonmetals are of extreme importance in everyday life. For example, without carbon, life as we know it would not exist - it is the fundamental element for all forms of life on Earth! Oxygen, another nonmetal, is necessary for respiration, while nitrogen is a key component of the air we breathe. Additionally, the halogens, a subcategory of nonmetals, are used in a variety of applications, from water purification to pharmaceutical production.

Resource Suggestions

It is extremely important for students to delve deeper into the subject through reliable references. Here are some suggestions in Portuguese that will help in the development of this project:

1. Book: CHANG, Raymond. Química Geral: Conceitos Essenciais. 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill Brasil, 2005.
2. Website: Brasil Escola, Chemistry section Brasil Escola - Química
3. Videos: YouTube channel "Química em Ação" by professor Paulo Valim Química em Ação - YouTube

Each of these resources offers valuable information and a variety of perspectives on the role of nonmetals in the periodic table and in the world around us.

Practical Activity: "Ametálica - Getting to Know the Nonmetals"

Project Objective

This project aims to develop a greater understanding of nonmetals in the periodic table and their applications. The project is multidisciplinary and will involve teamwork, research, model production, laboratory experiments, and presentation of work.

Detailed Project Description

1. Research: Each team must choose a nonmetal element in the periodic table that is not carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen. The teams will investigate and record the properties of this element, its chemical behavior, its location in the periodic table, its uses in industry or medicine, and any other interesting information they may find.

2. Model Production: Teams will create a 3D model of this nonmetal. Students can use recycled materials, clay, playdough, styrofoam, etc. The model should represent the atomic structure of the chosen nonmetal.

3. Laboratory Experiments: Students will conduct experiments that illustrate some of the properties of the chosen nonmetals. These experiments will vary depending on the chosen element and should be discussed and supervised by the teacher.

4. Work Presentation: Each team will give a 15-minute presentation to the class explaining what they have learned about the chosen nonmetal. The presentation should include the research results, display of the model, demonstration and explanation of the laboratory experiment, and a brief discussion on the role of this nonmetal in our daily lives.

Required Materials

1. Research materials (books, internet access, etc)
2. Materials for building the 3D model
3. Laboratory equipment for the experiment

Step by Step

1. Research (duration of 3 hours): Teams must choose a nonmetal and conduct thorough research on the element.

2. 3D Model (duration of 2 hours): Teams must build a 3D model of the element.

3. Laboratory Experiments (duration of 4 hours): Teams must perform experiments that demonstrate some of the properties of the chosen nonmetal.

4. Presentations (duration of 3 hours): Teams will present to the class what they have learned.

Project Deliverables

In addition to the presentation, each team must submit a detailed written report that includes:

1. Introduction: relevance of the chosen nonmetal, its real-world applications, and the project's objective.

2. Development: discussion on the chosen nonmetal and its properties, detailed explanation of the 3D model, description of the experiment conducted and its results.

3. Conclusions: main learnings and conclusions drawn from the project.

4. Bibliography: References used for the project.

This report will be evaluated based on clarity, depth of understanding, quality of research conducted, creativity, and innovation demonstrated in the creation of the 3D model and presentation.

It is suggested that students divide tasks equally to ensure each team member contributes equally to the project. This will provide a valuable teamwork experience.