Elements Essential for Human Life We are learning about the elements of the peri

Elements Essential for Human Life

We are learning about the elements of the periodic table this week. Of the 118 elements in the periodic table, only 33 are essential for the survival and well-being of humans. These are bulk elements (oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur), microminerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, and phosphorus), and trace elements (iron, lead, silicon, barium, zinc, molybdenum, rubidium, boron, copper, arsenic, strontium, cobalt, bromine, chromium, tin, nickel, manganese, selenium, iodine, lithium, aluminum, and vanadium).

First, view Atom Builder ChallengeLinks to an external site. and then construct an atom in the simulation. What did you learn are the important components of the atom? What sub -particles are important?

Then, visit The Periodic Table of ElementsLinks to an external site. to view an interactive periodic table and then pick one element you find interesting that is important for humans.

Lastly, visit the Periodic TableLinks to an external site., choose one of these 33 elements and consider the following questions as you post your initial response:

• Which group and period are the element found in?
• Is it a metal, nonmetal, or a metalloid?
• What is the atomic number and mass number for this element?
• How many protons, electrons, and neutrons does it have?
• Why is it essential for human life?

Instructions

Be sure to post an initial, substantive response by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT, and respond to two or more classmates or the instructor with substantive responses by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT.

A substantive initial post answers the question presented completely and/or asks a thoughtful question pertaining to the topic. Be sure your post is unique. Do not repeat what other students have said.

Substantive peer responses ask thoughtful questions pertaining to the topic, and/or answer a question (in detail) posted by another student or the instructor. Note: The following are not examples of substantive contributions:

• Thanking, agreeing with, or complimenting a classmate.
• Providing irrelevant commentary.