Investigating elements — question bank

An inquiry approach is a method often used in science education. This question bank provides an initial list of questions about investigating elements and places where their answers can be found.

The article Investigating elements – introduction has links to further resources and student activities.

Q. What are atoms made up of?

• How elements are formed

• The structure of the nucleus

• Radioisotopes

• Seeing atoms

• Dr David Krofcheck

Q. How are elements formed?

• How elements are formed

• The search for new elements

• Universal element formation

Q. What is special about the element hydrogen?

• How elements are formed

• Hydrogen – the number 1 element

Q. What sort of experiments will be run at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva?

• The structure of the nucleus

• Particle physics research

• Dr David Krofcheck

• How elements are formed

• CERN creates mini big bangs

Q. How are the known elements conveniently arranged?

• Development of the periodic table

• How elements are formed

• The search for new elements

Q. Which elements are essential in the human diet and why?

• The essential elements

Q. What is an isotope?

• Radioisotopes

• Using isotopes as tracers

• The essential elements

Q. How are artefacts like moa bones dated?

• Radioisotopes

• Carbon-14 dating artefacts

• Dr Fiona Petchey

Q. Why are metals used extensively in our every day world?

• Metals, alloys and metal compounds

• Titanium – metal of the future

Q. What is titanium-based powder alloy metallurgy?

• Professor Deliang Zhang

• Dr Brian Gabbitas

• Titanium – metal of the future

• Producing titanium-based alloys

• Metals, alloys and metal compounds

Q. What does matter and anti-matter have to do with the medical use of PET scans?

• Radioisotopes

• Using isotopes as tracers