In this unit, students will explore the building blocks of matter and learn how atomic structure helps explain the organization and properties of elements. Students will investigate the parts of an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and use atomic information to describe and model different atoms.
As we move through the unit, students will examine ions and isotopes, determine how they form, and compare them to neutral atoms. Students will also explore the Periodic Table and learn how its organization can be used to identify elements and predict patterns in their properties.
Students will learn how to:
Identify and describe protons, neutrons, and electrons
Determine the number of subatomic particles in an atom
Use atomic number and mass to interpret information about elements
Explain how ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons
Explain and compare isotopes of an element
Use the Periodic Table to identify elements and recognize patterns
Connect an element's atomic structure to its location and properties on the Periodic Table
How does the structure of an atom determine the identity of an element?
How are atoms, ions, and isotopes related?
How is the Periodic Table organized?
What patterns can we use to predict the properties and behavior of elements?
Key Vocabulary
Atom • Element • Proton • Neutron • Electron • Nucleus • Atomic Number • Atomic Mass • Ion • Cation • Anion • Isotope • Valence Electron • Periodic Table • Group • Period