Virginia Department of Education
Elements and Electron Configuration
It's electronic! Pupils uncover elements and their electron configurations as they explore mass, groupings, correct charges, and sliding theory. Young scientists learn creative ways to remember various elements and correctly classify...
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Why are Electrons Important?
Students write electron configuration of elements using atomic numbers and they identify valence electrons. For this electrons lesson plan, students observe a demonstration showing the space-filling property of an electron. They also...
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If My Configurations are Correct
Students write the electron configuration of elements in the ground state. In this chemistry lesson, students draw how subatomic particles are arranged in the atom. They construct Lewis dot diagrams of valence electrons.
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Up and Atom
"Up and Atom" is a mini-unit introducing middle-schoolers to the wonders of elements. Participants draw atom models, examine the periodic table, compare samples of metals to nonmetals, identify unknown elements, and more! The beginning...
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Code Makers - Electron Configuration, Aufbau Principle
Learners write the electron configuration of elements using the Aufbau principle. In this chemistry lesson, students build their own key that demonstrates the principle.
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Electron Arrangement and Ion Formation
In this elements worksheet, students determine how electrons fill up the energy levels for the first 18 elements of the periodic table. Students determine if elements gain or lose electrons to form a stable ion. This worksheet has 4...
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Carbon Atom Mobile
Students research the element of carbon, its composition, and the importance of carbon to life on earth. Then they design model mobiles of carbon atoms to demonstrate their understanding of the configuration of protons, neutrons, and...
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Isotopes and Ions
Students examine the concepts of isotopes and atoms. In this powerpoint activity, students see the balance in numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons create isotopes and ions of certain atoms.
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Making Molecular Models
In these creative hands-on activities, students construct several different molecular models that represent substances that play an essential role in our nutritional needs. Using gum drops and toothpicks, students design the models....
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Modeling Atoms
Students create an atomic model using a computer program. In this technology lesson plan, students identify the difference between radius and diameter. They create circular patterns and spheres based on certain specifications.
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Atomic Structure in the Chemistry Classroom
Learners are introduced to many of the scientists who contributed to the creation of the model of the atom. The changes to and evolution of the model over time is also covered. At the end of the lesson plan, Students differentiate...
Virginia Department of Education
Atomic Structure: Elements
It's all relevant, really. Individuals use the scientific method to learn more about elements, atoms, and their placement on the periodic table. They conduct experiments using materials common in nature to explore how elements affect our...
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What is the Underlying Causality of a Simple Circuit?
Students explore simple circuitry. They compare four models of circuits and explain how each works. Students contrast the cyclic cequential and cyclic simultaneous models using a shower curtain illustration and software simulation.
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Using several learning modalities to teach about the Periodic Table.
Pupils identify how to relate the position of an element in the periodic table to its atomic number and atomic mass. They identify how to use the periodic table to identify metals, semimetals, nonmetals, and halogens, and also, alkaline...
Virginia Department of Education
Atomic Structure: Periodic Table
The fifth lesson of seven in the series outlines an in-depth analysis of the periodic table. After direct instruction, pupils take turns practicing in the group before beginning independent study. The assessments include a quiz and an...
Virginia Department of Education
Isotopes
Lead your class through the amazing world of isotopes as they investigate the various properties they contain and further understand their respective location on the periodic table. They explore half-lives and radioactivity as each...
Virginia Department of Education
Electricity and Circuits
Electrify your classroom as you lead pupils through a series of steps to demonstrate basic principles of electricity and magnetism. They design a simple circuit and test this for static electricity and current electricity. Next, they...
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Casual Patterns in Simple Circuits
Students work in cooperative pairs to create a series circuit and a parallel circuit. Students compare and contrast the two different types of circuits using worksheets that are included.
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The Three Gorges: Should Nature or Technology Reign?
Students participate in a debate regarding the Three Gorges Dam in China. In this research skills instructional activity, students prepare for a debate regarding the construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China. Students participate in...
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Flame Test
Students conduct a flame test on different substances. In this chemistry lesson, students predict the element present based on the color emitted during the flame test. They explain how different elements produce different colors.
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Scientific Notation
Students explore the concept of expressing numbers in scientific notation. For this scientific notation lesson, students understand the importance of using scientific notation by finding real world examples where scientific notation is...