P


 * Name: Phosphorus

Origin of name:** From the Greek words //phôs// (light) and //phoros// (bearer)


 * Discovered by:** Hennig Brand


 * Date of Discovery:** 1669


 * Isotopes:**
 * ** Isotope ** || ** Half Life ** ||
 * P-31 || Stable ||
 * P-32 || 14.28 days ||
 * P-33 || 24.3 days ||


 * Group:** 15 non-metal


 * Atomic Weight:** 30.97376 amu


 * Number:** 15


 * Symbol:** P


 * Interesting Fact:** Used in explosives, nerve agents, friction matches, toothpastes, fertilizers, detergents.


 * Visual that represents this element:**




 * Multimedia that represents this element:** **[|The Phosphorus Cycle]**

Using the attached link of the Phosphorus Cycle, we would discuss the sources of Phosphorus and how it affects the environment, with particular emphasis on run-off from fertilizers, detergents entering waterways, etc (eutrophication). This could also be used with Nitrogen because Nitrogen is another component of detergents and fertilizers that can impact waterways and pollute aquatic environments.
 * What lesson or lab would you use to illustrate this element to a class? [|The Phosphorus Cycle]**

We can build phosphate groups and discuss how phosphate groups contribute to DNA.