moleculedatabaseinfo

=Molecule Database Project=

__Overview__
Students will choose a molecule with an interesting historical, biological or industrial relevance, research the molecule, and synthesize the information in a page on http://excelchemistry.wikispaces.com. Students must have their molecule choice approved by Ms. Marx. There are many interesting molecules to choose from, ranging from vitamins to hormones to spices to drugs to medications to poisons. A list of suggested topics will be available in class.

__Timeline__
Molecules should be chosen by Wednesday, January 23, 2008. All database entries must be completed by the end of the day on Monday, January 28, 2008. Students will be given some class time from Jan. 22-28, 2008, to conduct their research and to edit their pages. Please plan to do some additional work outside of class as needed.

__Requirements__
Each database entry must include the following information:
 * Molecule name, chemical formula and structural formula
 * One paragraph describing:
 * important structural features, such as functional groups, rings of carbon, and three dimensional shape
 * relevant properties of the molecule (physical or chemical)
 * At least one picture that shows space-filling model or ball-and-stick model (we will work with special software in class to create these pictures)
 * One paragraph that describes the molecule's importance, biological role, impact on society, or other relevant of information
 * A bibliography of at least three websites or books used for the information on the site AND all sources of pictures. Please note that while Wikipedia is an acceptable starting point, it should NOT be one of the informational sources listed in the bibliography.

//IMPORTANT NOTE:// The purpose of this database is to allow your classmates to learn about your molecule. Please make sure that the information you include on your page is written in proper English and covers topics that we have studied in class. We are not interested in college or professional level information that makes no sense to the average high school reader!

__Grading__
The database entry will count toward second term project grade and will be worth a total of 70 points (the same as one lab report). The following rubric will be used to evaluate the entries: All important properties are fully described. || Most important structural features are correctly explained. Most properties are described. || At least one structural feature is correctly explained. At least one property is described. || No correct information is given about structure or properties. ||
 * || **9-10 pts** || **6-8 pts** || **3-5 pts** || **0-2 pts** ||
 * **Originality** || Content is consistently written in student’s own words (nothing is copied/pasted). || Content is mostly written in student’s own words; some copying is apparent. || Content is frequently copied from another source. || Content is entirely copied from other sources. ||
 * **Suitability** || All information is appropriate to high school audience and is relevant to class topics. || Most information is appropriate to high school audience and is relevant to class topics. || Some information is appropriate to high school audience and is relevant to class topics. || Little or no information is appropriate or relevant. ||
 * **Bibliography** || Includes at least 3 complete references, and cites sources of all pictures. || Includes at least 3 complete references. || Lacks relevant reference information or lists only search engines. || Bibliography is missing. ||
 * **Molecule Name** || --- || --- || Complete and correct. || Incorrect or missing. ||
 * **Molecular Formula** || --- || --- || Complete and correct. || Incorrect or missing. ||
 * **Structural Formula** || --- || --- || Complete and correct. || Incorrect or missing. ||
 * **Picture of 3D model** || --- || --- || Complete and correct. || Incorrect or missing. ||
 * **Structure & Properties of Molecule** || All important structural features are fully and correctly explained.
 * **History, Uses, or Importance of Molecule** || Most major aspects of the molecule’s history, uses, or importance are explained. || Many major aspects of the molecule’s history, uses, or importance are explained. || A few aspects of the molecule’s history, uses, or importance are explained. || No aspects of the molecule’s history, uses, or importance are explained. ||