Chicago Botanic Garden
The Carbon Cycle
There is 30 percent more carbon in the atmosphere today than there was 150 years ago. The first lesson in the four-part series teaches classes about the carbon cycle. Over two to three days, classes make a model of the cycle, add missing...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to Matter
Begin your states of matter lessons with a demonstration designed to introduce the concept that all matter has properties. Reinforce this concept through vocabulary exploration, and the creation of atom models; salt, water, and carbon...
Space Awareness
Let's Break the Particles
Build learning by breaking atoms! Young scientists study the way energy changes with a hands-on activity. As they roll steel marbles down a ramp, learners test the hypothesis that kinetic energy does not go away with friction or...
Curated OER
Atom Basics Test
Simple in format and standard in content, this resource is an assessment of your beginning chemists' grasp of the atom. Using a periodic table of elements, they fill in a chart of missing chemical formulas, atomic masses, and numbers of...
Curated OER
Matter: Atoms and Molecules
Students investigate how information about the atom has been determined. In this atomic structure lesson, students draw what they think an atom looks like. They conduct Internet research about the types of atomic models and how...
Curated OER
Build Your Own Atom
Students build a model of an atom using an online program. In this chemistry lesson, students discuss the different parts of the atom. They complete an independent research about their chosen element.
Curated OER
The Flame and the Atom:
Students investigate the structure of atoms. Students read information about the Rutherford model, the Bohr model, and the Quantum Mechanical model examining each for its scientific validity. They watch a PowerPoint presentation of alpha...
Curated OER
Atoms
Eighth graders explain what makes up matter. In this atoms lesson students define an atom and what its components are and identify properties of elements.
Curated OER
Atom and Eve
Students research and define an atom using a concept map. They design and create a model of an atom, labelling all the parts, and write a journal entry.
Curated OER
A Model of a Scanning Tunneling Microscope
Ninth graders explain how a scanning tunneling microscope works. In this chemistry lesson plan, 9th graders construct atomic models and simulate how their images appear under the STM. They discuss the limitations of their atomic model.
Curated OER
How Atoms Work
Students explore the concept of atoms and how they combine to form molecules and compounds. In pairs, they read an article on how atoms work and discuss the main points. They draw atoms and write a paragraph about their elements.
Curated OER
How Atoms Work
Students analyze the way atoms function and how they combine to form molecules and various compounds. Using a software program, they create a diagram of an atom and write a summary about their functions. They complete a worksheet and...
Curated OER
Elements And Atoms
High schoolers investigate the concept of elements and atoms. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information in order to create a class presentation. The instructional activity includes specific dialogue and...
Curated OER
Various Atomic Models
In this atomic models quiz worksheet, students complete an on-line quiz, clicking on questions and matching answers, scoring 1 point for each correct answer. A printed version is available.
Curated OER
Silica Tetrahedron Model
Students build a 3-D tetrahedron model. In this tetrahedron lesson plan, students use materials such as a toothpick, paperclips, paper, raisins and more to build a silica tetrahedron model and discuss its importance in the atom.
Curated OER
Mighty Molecules
Students examine a PowerPoint production on molecules. Then they construct their own molecule and define what an atom, molecule, and matter is. They make a H2, HCI, and an H2O molecule. Finally, a drawing to accompany the actual model is...
Curated OER
Modern Physics, Old QT
In this physics worksheet, students develop an understanding of the atomic model and how atoms relate to one another through answering the seven questions.
Curated OER
Writing Chemical Formulas
Students study how to write chemical fomulas by reviewing the combinations atoms form into compounds. They write a procedure to test various substances and name the compounds and write formulas. As they construct models for formulas and...
Science Geek
VSEPR and Molecular Geometry
Many chemistry jokes have no reaction. Presentation begins by explaining what models are and the limitations of various forms before introducing the VSEPR model. Then it outlines the rules for creating a VSEPR model and shows examples of...
LABScI
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table of Elements: The Secret Agent Lab
Food always gets attention! Model atomic structure using fruit loops to represent the subatomic particles. After building models, scholars create ionic bonds using their models. Finally, they use these concepts to create a periodic table.
Concord Consortium
Deformed Electron Cloud
Dispel the misconception that atoms are always little round balls! Illustrate changes in the electron cloud with an entertaining interactive. Pupils push and pull on the cloud by altering the charge on plates located on either side of...
Concord Consortium
Understanding Probability Maps
What's the likelihood of your class understanding probability maps? Young scientists explore the concept using a virtual dartboard in an interesting simulation. The darts establish a pattern around the bull's-eye, which provides a visual...
Concord Consortium
Sticking a Balloon to a Wall
This is one sticky situation! Science sleuths uncover the mystery behind a balloon that appears to be stuck to a wall using an interactive. Learners observe a neutrally charged wall before they manipulate the charge on a balloon. Atom...
Curated OER
Atom Models Through the Ages
Eighth graders explain the development of the atomic model over time. In this chemistry lesson plan, 8th graders research about the scientists who made a contribution to the atomic theory. They create a three-dimensional model based on...