Chemistry
Some chemists have argued that discovering or creating new elements is not worth the resources and cost because they tend to be unstable. How has the development of new technologies contributed to the discovery of new elements? Do you believe there is value in creating new elements to add to the Periodic Table? (cite an example). Should scientists be awarded money when they discover (or create) a new element? Why or why not?

Explain the “octet rule” as it relates to chemical bonding. Why do most atoms “prefer” to have 8 electrons in their outer shell? Discuss the limitations of the rule. Provide an example of a molecule/compound that violates the octet rule and compare your choice with that of your classmates.

Some scientists feel it may be an oversimplification to characterize atoms by how they are structured and how they bond. Do you agree or disagree?

Choose one of the articles below about our historical and current knowledge of chemistry in society. Discuss how we understand the event today from a chemical standpoint. Explain the controversy behind the event and our current understanding of it. When responding to classmates, discuss the value of their chosen topic to today’s society and what aspects of the discovery or our understanding of it concerns you the most.

1. The disappearance of dinosaurs https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/extinctheory.html

2. Discovery of Radioactivity: https://www2.lbl.gov/abc/wallchart/chapters/03/4.html

3. Chemistry of Aluminum http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/A-C/Aluminum.html