How many different molecules can you build? In a simulation, learners make molecules from given atoms. There are numerous collections from which to build three to five molecules from given kits of atoms. Scholars can also view their...

Upcoming chemists construct atom or molecule models out of candy. This is a classic idea that learners really enjoy; however, this lesson plan is vague. There is no instruction about the structure of atoms or molecules. Make sure you...

Making models is always memorable. For this activity, physical science starters examine the structure of hydrocarbons using marshmallows, raisins, and toothpicks. They even act as atoms themselves and link arms to represent covalent...

In a simple activity, physical scientists model nuclear fission using a droplet of oil. This can be used alone in a unit on different types of energy, or as part of the energy conservation unit produced by the Texas State Energy...

Positive and negative numbers are everywhere in the world around us. Whether it's charged particles in atoms, a hot air balloon rising and falling in the sky, or a series of bills and checks being delivered in the mail, this...

In this atom learning exercise, students answer 31 multiple choice questions about the structure of atoms, the periodic table, the reactivity of elements, orbital diagrams and the families of elements.

Students construct models of hydrocarbon molecules using candy and toothpicks. In this hydrocarbons lesson plan, students are given a sheet with the molecular formulas of hydrocarbons. As a group, they construct each molecule using...

How does heat move from one item to another, even when the items are in different states of matter? Pupils experiment with adding washers to hot water and adding hot washers to room temperature water to observe the heat transfer. 

The shape of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of atoms around the central atom and lone pairs of electrons. Scholars build models of molecules using single, double, and triple bonds. They can then see real molecules bond...

In this atom worksheet, chemists learn how to determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom using the atomic mass and atomic number. They complete a chart of the subatomic particles and use marbles to represent...

"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...

Learners see how electrons are transferred in the bonding of NaCl. They then create models of NaCl using styrofoam balls and toothpicks to assist them in explaining the formation of ions and ionic bonding. 

Teaching young scientists about atoms is no small task, but this series of worksheets will make it a little easier. From creating and labeling Bohr models, to identifying information provided in the periodic table of elements,...

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...

Atomic theory, a periodic table, and a place to practice making atom models without having to draw every proton, neutron, electron, and orbital! This resource is colorful, visually pleasing, and easy to use. 

Students explain scientists' ideas about the structure of the atom over the last century. They develop a pictorial history of the changing ideas about the atom and write a caption describing the scientific thinking behind the model.

How do scientists identify which elements originate from meteorites? Scholars learn about a sample of material found in a remote location, analyzing the sample to determine if it might be from Earth or not. They study elements, isotopes,...

Photosynthesis requires energy and produces food, and cellular respiration produces energy and requires food. An interesting lesson analyzes the factors that affect the rates of photosynthesis and respiration. Classes spend one day...

A helpful worksheet describes an interesting demonstration on the surface tension of water. Learners guess how many drops of water the heads side of a penny will hold. This resource does a great job of describing just how a penny can...

Third graders understand that the smallest particle is an atom. In this matter lesson, 3rd graders make a piece of aluminum smaller and smaller to see that what's left is still aluminum. Students recognize that cutting into smaller...

First graders discuss, at their level, the concept of elements making up all matter. They discover the story of Dimitri Mendeleev and his discovery of the Periodic Table of the Elements. They locate and color some of the most common...

"Self-guided Computer Activity" simply means that young chemists read through the slides and take notes about atoms along the way. There is an abundance of text on each slide, making this a comprehensive introduction to atomic structure....

Students build a model of an atom using an online program. In this chemistry activity, students discuss the different parts of the atom. They complete an independent research about their chosen element.

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.