Most people realize graphite is soft and black while diamonds are strong and clear. So how can these be made of the same element? The sixth video in a series about chemical elements discusses carbon. The most versatile element appears in many forms and with numerous applications. 

Concepts

carbon, the periodic table, chemical elements, chemical bonds, organic chemistry

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Research the newest types of carbon to be discovered
• Discuss what it means to be a carbon-based life form

Classroom Considerations

• Relies strongly on prior knowledge of molecular models

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Connects everyday items to nanotechnology
• Offers subtitles in English and Portuguese for ease of note taking

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4