Primo Levi wrote a collection of short stories comparing his life from Italy to Auschwitz to elements in the periodic table. Pupils read an excerpt from his book and research the characteristics of various elements. Then, they make a connection—like Levi did—and write a one-page story comparing themselves to an element. As part of a six-part unit, researching and writing the story exists as the second part.

Concepts

atomic structure, electron configuration, periodic trends, chemical bonds, the periodic table, chemical elements, ionization energy, electronegativity, atomic radii, reactivity

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Co-teach with the language arts department
• Discuss the anthropomorphism in the reading and the expected writing assignment

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of atomic structure, periodic trends in atomic radius, ionic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity

Pros

• Offers modifications including how to make the lesson work for a substitute
• Connects science and language arts

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.5 RST.11-12.4 RST.11-12.5