Virginia Department of Education
Average Atomic Masses
Facilitate learning by using small objects to teach the principles of atomic mass in your science class. Pupils determine the average mass of varying beans as they perform a series of competitive experiments. They gather data and...
Virginia Department of Education
The Modern Model of Atomic Structure
The difference between atomic mass and atomic number can be confusing for some young chemists. Help your class better understand the concepts by allowing them to sketch an atom on paper and then discuss their experience. Upon completion...
Curated OER
Understanding the Mole
Students develop an understanding of the mole and molar masses of elements. In this mole lesson plan, students use beans to find their relative masses and draw parallels to the atomic masses of elements. Students work in teams and each...
Kenan Fellows
Isotopic Pennies
Many people confuse atomic mass and atomic numbers. The sixth of seven lessons in a unit requires scholars to find the weight of different groups of pennies. Then, they must solve how many of each type of penny exists in a closed system...
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...
Curated OER
Relative Masses
Learners investigate relative mass using 8 different items. In this relative masses lesson plan, students discuss as a class John Dalton's atomic theory. They take the masses of the 8 items and record their data. They discuss relative...
Curated OER
The Structure of the Periodic Table
Students investigate the periodic table, the structure of the atom and the subatomic particles. In this periodic table lesson plan, students complete 5 activities in order to better understand atoms and the periodic table. They use...
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Alphas, Betas and Gammas Oh, My!
Referring to the periodic table of elements, nuclear physics learners determine the resulting elements of alpha and beta decay. Answers are given in atomic notation, showing the atomic symbol, mass, atomic number, and emission particles....
Curated OER
Composition of the Atom
High schoolers investigate the structure of the atom and its composition. In this atom structure lesson, students find the area of cut out circles and drop pens into the circles. They count the number of marks in the circles and relate...
Curated OER
The Ethics of the Bomb: What Would You Do?
Young scholars research the use of the atomic bomb in WWII, analyze the human costs of dropping the bomb and identify the pros and cons. They develop a PowerPoint presentation on the effects of an atomic bomb dropped on their hometown.
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...
Curated OER
Periodicity (The Periodic Table)
Students investigate the properties of elements and periodicity. In this periodicity lesson plan, students observe a bag of 'elements' which are different fruits and classify them in groups and periods, show the periodic relationships...
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...
Curated OER
Periodic Table of Elements
In this chemistry worksheet, students use the periodic table of elements in order to identify the common elements. The detail is very detailed.
Curated OER
Formula Units
In this chemistry worksheet, students examine the concepts of mole and molarity in order to apply in the laboratory setting. The sheet includes in depth background information.
Curated OER
History of the Periodic Table
Students sort a group of manipulatives and then explain their organizational system to the class. They discuss the work of scientists trying to organize the elements into a system that made sense and the development of the periodic table.
University of Georgia
Density and Texture of Soil
All soil is not created equal! A lab activity asks learners to collect and analyze soil. Specific calculations determine the amount of sand, silt, and clay in a sample and allow individuals to identify the soil texture.
Virginia Department of Education
Mineral Identification
What's the difference between a rock and a mineral? And what properties are used to identify minerals? The first installment of a five-part series on earth materials and processes prompts young scientists to identify a set of...
Curated OER
Hydrogen Powered Cars
Young scholars apply the principles of chemistry to investigate the concept of how a hydrogen powered car works. They study the electrochemical reactions that provide the energy source. Students also record observations in the...
Curated OER
Will the Lights Go Out?
Students diagram nuclear power plant, describe process for generating electrical power, discuss nuclear disasters in the 20th century, and draw conclusion about value of nuclear power for the future.
Curated OER
Ionic Chemical Formulas Days 1 & 2
Students study polyatomic ions and write binary and ternary ionic chemical formulas. They explore putting together different monatomic ions and coming up with as many chemical formulas as possible. They play a game similar to memory...
Curated OER
Proteomics
Students analyze data taken from proteomic experiments. In this biology lesson, students explain the importance of bioinformatics tools in the study of proteins. They evaluate scientific results using math and computer software.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Isotopes: Using M&m's as a Model for Calculating Atomic Mass
This activity allows students to gain an understanding of the relationship between the mass and relative abundance of an isotope and its effect on the average atomic mass of the element. Students will be given a random sample of the...