This week in class we went over a lot of the material we've learned so far to help us prepare for our test that we had on Monday.  We also learned a little bit of new material.  We learned how to properly name particles and we learned more about charge and how to get a formula to have a equal or zero charge.  To do this we had to learn more about how the periodic table works.
     The first thing we did this week was learn how elements on the periodic table are placed for their charges.  This picture helps to show this.

This shows how each row has a set number as the charge.  All except for transition elements.  We used this table with the charges to finish a Naming Ionic Compounds worksheet.  For example if you have a compound containing both potassium (K) and sulfur (S), the formula would be K2S.  This is because if you look at the table above sulfur has a 2- charge and potassium has a 1+ charge, so you would then need 2 potassium molecules in the compound for the charge to be equal.
     We then learned about polyatomic ions.  We learned that certain combinations of elements create special charges and are called different names like nitrate (NO3) and sulfate (SO4).  However, we did not have to memorize all of these polyatomic ions.  We were given a list of them with their names, charges, and formulas to work with and that is shown here.
     Then to pratice our skills at naming and writing/making formulas we did a practice worksheet and packet.  These packets were good practice for me because it really helped tie everything together for me.  It helped me to get more comfortable with using the periodic table and memorizing the charges for each row.  The practice also helped me understand the new concept of polyatomic ions.  On the worksheet we also had to practice drawing polyatomic ions.  Through drawing I think I really understood the concept of an ion.  That an ion isn't just on type of element.  That it was made up of multiple elements all put together.  By drawing I reached that conclusion and became much more comfortable working with ions in practice problems and also on the test.
     To help us prepare for our test we were given a Unit 6 review packet.  This packet really helped me to prepare for the test because it went over some concept that I had forgotten about.  For example, the sticky tape lab.  I had forgotten about the electron movement, until I did the packet.  It also helped me with remembering Thompson's experiments and the conclusions he had come to.  Without the packet I would have completely blanked on those two concepts.  However, I did the packet, and I remembered them for the test.