My Element Is the BEST Because: A Library Research Assignment & Presentation

This past semester, Professor Piraba Swaminathan’s General Chemistry I students at the Annandale Campus were assigned a two-part library research project. Each student was provided with an element from the periodic table to research using scientific databases and other electronic resources available at an academic library. They studied their element using, at minimum, 16 sources of at least four types, then shared their research with the larger class. Specifically, students were tasked with presenting a 2-minute elevator pitch. Each student’s goal was to convince the audience that their specific element was the best. Students were encouraged to be as creative as possible without using PowerPoint slides. They were even encouraged to use poetry and music! Students not only presented their findings in a concise, fun and creative manner but also were able to practice their public speaking skills in a safe, comfortable environment.

At the end of the presentations, students participated in a lively class discussion on what makes an effective presentation; their suggestions included eye contact, variation in tone, appropriate hand gestures and confidence.

As for selecting the best element, just like our genuinely precious students, can we say one element is better than another?

Professor Swaminathan would like to congratulate her students for their creativity, for their courage in presenting in front of their peers and for making presentation day such a memorable event. Her students are the BEST! A few students poems, submitted for the elevator pitch assignment, are shared below. 

This project was made possible by the support of Annandale Library staff members and, in particular, Crystal Boyce, who provided invaluable guidance throughout the semester.

Submitted by:
Piraba Swaminathan, AN-Chemistry, PISwaminathan@nvcc.edu

Zirconium, The Best Element

Deep in this universe where mysteries run miles

Lies an element of greatness that brings smiles.

The atomic structure is a masterpiece to behold

Stability and durability are spectacles that are bold.

From crowns and jewelry a sparkling rejoice

Through revolutionary advancements Zirconium is the best choice.

Planes soaring through the unlimited skies

Or in dental implants where hopes reach highs.

Zirconium the backbone of integrity

Where no other element can achieve its fidelity.

From high towers to bridges spanned wide

In the heart of motors you safely provide.

In medicine’s embrace you heal and attend

You are a doctor’s devoted and loyal friend.

Implants and devices where it is given aid

In your reliable hold hope is laid.

This is an element that ages like wine

In a battle of greatness every other element is about to resign.

Zirconium stands tall in a league of its own

The other elements on the periodic table should be disowned.

This element is on a mission

The others become weak when placed in the same position.

Consider lead with its toxic descent

A burden on nature that should be plastered on cement.

In the regal theater of elements it steals the show

Zirconium is the best element and will always glow.

By Areeb Awan

——

Hydrogen, The Best Element

In seventeen sixty-six, a name was spun,

From Greek, “maker of water,” Hydrogen begun.

Light as a feather, it fills the air,

Symbolized by H, with atoms so rare.

Period one, group one, it finds its place,

A tiny fraction of Earth’s crusty space.

Odorless, tasteless, invisible too,

Yet vital for life, in all that we do.

Combining with oxygen, it takes a role,

In crafting water, it plays its whole.

The sun’s mighty engine, fueled by its might,

Converting to helium, shining so bright.

Explosive potential, we must beware,

With oxygen mixed, it’s a fiery pair.

But in fuel cells, a cleaner way we’ve found,

To power our world, with energy unbound.

Hydrogen, oh hydrogen, so grand and vast,

Invisible yet vital, from future to past.

A maker of water, a fuel for our quest,

In the dance of the cosmos, you’re surely the best.

By Nicolas Deza

——-

Nickel, the Unsung Hero, The Best Element

In lands of fire and might, where molten rivers flow,
Lies Nickel, strong and bright, a lustrous, silvery glow.

Cronstedt’s famed delight, from Earth’s rich crust it hails,
A metal pure and light, in industry prevails.

Forged deep in hearth’s embrace, ’tis steel’s unyielding kin,
In batteries, it graces, a greener world to win.

Philippines, Indonesia — their soils rich and grand,
Gift Nickel, no amnesia, to every worker’s hand.

Economies it lifts, through sustainability’s lens,
Its full recycling shifts, towards environmental amends.

A minute and a half, on Nickel’s role we muse,
Elemental staff, an unsung hero’s news.

By Hoa Vu

——

Fluorine, The Best Element

In our world with many elements to explore,

There’s one that is a light-yellow gas, it’s hard to ignore.

Fluorine, a name from Latin, “to flow,”

A special element, it’s great to know.

In compounds, it easily breaks apart,

Like a river flowing, with a start.

It bonds with elements near and far,

Always ready for a chemical spar.

Pure fluorine is hard to find, but that’s okay,

In rocks and minerals, it hides away.

This mighty element is here to stay,

From computers to toothpaste, it leads the way.

Nonstick pans, rocket fuel, and medicines too,

Fluorine shines bright in all it can do.

On computer chips, it makes its mark,

Creating patterns, leaving a spark.

In toothpaste, it’s there to fight decay,

Keeping our teeth healthy in every way.

Then there’s Teflon, that magical stuff,

Nonstick and slick, never gets rough.

Cooking with ease, no food ever sticks,

Thanks to fluorine, pots and pans do the tricks.

Rocket fuels need a special boost,

Fluorine helps them, it’s the truth.

Making rockets go real far,

Fluorine’s power is a shining star.

Mammals glow under special light, it’s true,

Fluorine is there, making them glow too.

It helps our plants to grow big and tall,

From farms to gardens, it does it all.

In medicines, fluorine is a star,

Creating drugs, healing from afar.

Fluorine is essential, no need to debate.

But remember, it’s strong, so handle with care,

Too much of it could bring a scare.

So, let’s appreciate fluorine’s might,

In simple words, it’s just right.

By Alicia Vasquez