Classroom Resources: Atomic Structure
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101 – 125 of 135 Classroom Resources
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Model of the Atom, Atomic Theory, Electron Configuration, Electrons, Valence Electrons, Orbitals , Subatomic Particles, Atomic Radius, Ionization Energy | High School
Activity: Bohr Model vs. Quantum Mechanical Model Mark as Favorite (67 Favorites)
In this activity, students will compare two models of the atom using cognitive scaffolding to move from the more simplistic Bohr model to the more abstract and accurate quantum mechanical model. They will examine experimental data and use it to explain periodic trends that cannot be accounted for with the Bohr model.
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Electron Configuration, Electrons, Atoms, Ions, Orbitals , Valence Electrons, Model of the Atom | High School
Activity: Electron Configuration and Orbital Diagrams Mark as Favorite (68 Favorites)
In this activity, students will learn how to apply the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund’s rule to model electron configurations and orbital diagrams. They will use colored flat marbles to represent different directional spins of electrons as they fill orbitals based on energy level. They will then look for patterns in the electron configurations and orbital diagrams of various atoms and ions.
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Ions, Atoms, Subatomic Particles, Electrons, Isotopes | Middle School, High School
Demonstration: Electrons and Ions Explained with Balloons Mark as Favorite (27 Favorites)
In this demonstration, helium balloons and clothespin weights are used to demonstrate how adding an electron makes a negative ion, and removing an electron makes a positive ion, a concept that is often confusing to students.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum, Atomic Spectra, Electrons | High School
Demonstration: Flame Test (Rainbow Demo) Mark as Favorite (110 Favorites)
In this demonstration, students will observe the variety of colors produced when different metals or metallic salts are heated in a flame.
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Periodic Table, Elements, Review, Atomic Radius, Ions, Ionization Energy, Atomic Mass | High School
Activity: Reviewing the Periodic Table and Periodic Trends Mark as Favorite (68 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use their knowledge of the periodic table and periodic trends to add fictional elements to a periodic table based on their properties. Once the elements are in the correct place they will reveal a hidden message. This review activity will help students prepare for a summative assessment such as a unit test or final exam.
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Atomic Spectra, Activity Series, Emission Spectrum, Ions, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Emission Spectrum, Observations, Inferences | High School
Lab: Flame Test: Going Further Mark as Favorite (61 Favorites)
In this lab, students will investigate the colors produced when several mixtures of metallic ions are placed in a flame.
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Metallic Bonding, Electrons, Electricity, Electrostatic Forces | High School
Demonstration: Metallic Bonding & Magnetics Mark as Favorite (27 Favorites)
In this demonstration students will observe how electrons flow through a metal in an example of metallic bonding. Using tubes made of different metal materials as well as one made of plastic, in combination with a rare earth magnet (neodymium magnet) the teacher will demonstrate how electrons will flow freely through a metal and create a magnetic field.
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Atomic Spectra, Electrons, Electromagnetic Spectrum | High School
Lesson Plan: Atomic Spectra for At-Home Learning Mark as Favorite (13 Favorites)
In this lesson, students first observe a flame test demonstration conducted by their teacher, and hypothesize about the identity of an unknown sample. Then they make connections in their understanding as they are tasked with building a prism, researching about wavelengths, and creating a model of electron energy levels.
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Orbitals , Electrons, Electron Configuration | High School
Activity: Electrons and Orbitals Mark as Favorite (64 Favorites)
In this lesson, students will differentiate between energy levels, sublevels, orbitals, and electrons. Students often confuse these terms related to electrons and this activity should help them develop a stronger understanding of how to distinguish between them.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum, Atomic Spectra, Electrons | High School
Lab: Mystical Fire Investigation Mark as Favorite (44 Favorites)
In this lab, students will create several testable questions based upon their observations of a mystical fire. Students then direct their own laboratory experience as they safely investigate these testable questions through the use of multiple flame tests.
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Radioactive Isotopes, Half Lives, Subatomic Particles, Periodic Table | High School
Activity: Why are Some Isotopes Radioactive? Mark as Favorite (63 Favorites)
In this activity, students use periodic trends and data to make predictions about what makes an isotope radioactive. They will then verify or refine their predictions using a PhET simulation.
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Subatomic Particles, Model of the Atom, Elements, Molecular Formula | Middle School, Elementary School
Project: What's It Made Of? Mark as Favorite (15 Favorites)
In this project each student will conduct research to discover what compounds, molecules, and elements make up a basic everyday object of their choice. The student will create a poster detailing what the object is made of, including a Bohr model. The student will also create a question about their object’s atomic structure for their peers as part of a culminating project gallery walk to observe, discuss, and learn about each poster.
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Covalent Bonding, Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory, Electronegativity, Polarity, Atomic Radius, Valence Electrons | High School
Project: Molecular Modeling Mark as Favorite (111 Favorites)
In this project, students will research a molecule selected from the teacher approved list, construct a three-dimensional model of the molecule, and present their research to the class in a 7-10 minute oral presentation.
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Atomic Mass, Subatomic Particles | High School, Middle School, Elementary School
Video: History of the Periodic Table Video Mark as Favorite (124 Favorites)
In this video, Sam Kean tells the story of the development of the periodic table. He also pays tribute to each of the major scientific contributors, including Dimitri Mendeleev, who made great discoveries through their efforts to best organize the elements.
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Atomic Mass, Atomic Theory, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles, Periodic Table, History | Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Video: Dimitri Mendeleev Video Mark as Favorite (69 Favorites)
This video tells the story of how Dimitri Mendeleev organized the periodic table, even leaving gaps to be filled in with elements that weren't yet discovered.
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Radioactive Isotopes, History, Subatomic Particles, Model of the Atom, Atomic Theory | Middle School, High School
Video: Ernest Rutherford Video Mark as Favorite (71 Favorites)
Rutherford's initial research was studying alpha particles, which he hypothesized were helium nuclei. With the help of Hans Geiger, Rutherford conducted the gold foil experiment, which justifies that the nucleus of an atom is a dense collection of protons and contains the majority of an atom’s mass. It also inferred that most of the atom is empty space and electrons are not located in the nucleus. He won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1908 for his studies on radioactive substances.
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Atomic Theory, Electrons, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles, History | Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Video: Niels Bohr Video Mark as Favorite (69 Favorites)
This video tells the story of Niels Bohr, a great scientist who redefined how we think about atoms and the electron. Bohr’s model of the atom helped to advance understanding of subatomic particles, and holds an important place in the history and development of the atomic theory.
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Electron Configuration | High School
Activity: E-config Battleship Mark as Favorite (94 Favorites)
In this activity, students review electron configurations by using the periodic table like a Battleship board.
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Molecular Formula, Atomic Mass, Molar Mass | High School
Activity: Molecule Building Tournament Mark as Favorite (13 Favorites)
In this activity, students determine molecular formulas given formula masses and a limited number of atoms.
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Ionic Bonding, Naming Compounds, Molecular Formula, Ions, Ionic Radius, Solubility, Melting Point, Physical Properties | High School
Activity: My Name is Bond, Ionic Bond Mark as Favorite (74 Favorites)
In this lesson, students will demonstrate their knowledge of ionic bond strength using a “brackets” activity. Pairs of students start the activity playing a game of “Ionic Compound War” to build eight compounds. Then then transfer the compounds to a “bracket” and use their knowledge of ionic bonding, along with a solubility chart, to predict the strongest and weakest bond between four pairs of ionic substances.
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Periodic Table, Atomic Radius, Ionization Energy, Electronegativity | High School
Activity: Periodic War Mark as Favorite (118 Favorites)
In this activity, students play a card game to apply their knowledge of the periodic trends of the main group elements.
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Pros Cons of Nuclear Power, Radiation, Radioactive Isotopes, Atomic Theory, Atoms, History | Middle School, High School
Video: Lise Meitner Video Mark as Favorite (29 Favorites)
This video tells the story of Lise Meitner, a pioneering female scientist in the field of nuclear chemistry, who was denied a Nobel Prize but has an Element named in her honor.
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Valence Electrons, Lewis Dot Diagrams | High School
Activity: Box Valence Electrons Mark as Favorite (27 Favorites)
In this activity, students will create a mini periodic table of elements using Lewis dot diagrams to represent each element up to calcium.
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Subatomic Particles, Model of the Atom, Atomic Mass, Electrons | Middle School, High School
Project: Element Project Mark as Favorite (79 Favorites)
In this project, students will become familiar with and have a workable understanding of atomic structure. The students will also create and construct a model of an atom.
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Atomic Theory, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles, History | High School
Project: The Scientists Behind the Atom Mark as Favorite (101 Favorites)
In this project, students will create a digital (or paper) book about the scientists who contributed to our understanding of the atom.