Student contest

One of our winning entries.... (Click here to hear an audio sample [requires RealPlayer].)

ISOTOPES

Mike Kreidler, Mark Lehnowsky, Dave Tomasacci
Northwestern Area School District
Shickshinny, PA

[to the tune of "My Girl"]

I got isotopes of an element
They have different masses
It just don't make sense
I'll guess you'll say
How come they don't weigh the same?
Neutrons, neutrons, neutrons
Talkin' 'bout neutrons, neutrons

Each element has the same number of protons
If it's not an ion
The number of electrons is the same
I'll guess you'll say
How come they don't weigh the same?
Neutrons, neutrons, neutrons
Talkin' 'bout neutrons, neutrons

[Repeat Verse One]

I don't need to know
Them all by name
Cause in a reaction, baby
They all act the same
I'll guess you'll say
How come they don't weigh the same?
Neutrons, neutrons, neutrons
T a l k i n '  ' b o u t  N E U T R O N S

Student comments:

In the beginning of the school year, our teacher, Mr. Hizny, approached the music teacher with the idea of forming a club called the Neutron Project in which chemistry and music students would get together to perform songs and make videos dealing about chemistry. Well, we came up with an idea for one on isotopes. Our intention was, and still is, to make a video about a group of music students who always arrive late for chemistry class. One day, the teacher gets fed up with them and tells them to teach the class. Much to her surprise we do it with music.

Needless to say, our rehearsals were heard by other teachers and one gave us your website, so here we are.

--Dave, Mark, and Mike