Description
In this webquest, you will be discovering the parts of the atom, exploring what happens when various parts of the atom are changed, how the periodic table was created, and how to use the periodic table to find information. This webquest should take approximately 5 to 6 hours of class time to complete, plus 1 to 2 additional hours outside of class to work on the Adopt-An-Element poster.
Task
Complete the attached documents and turn them in to your teacher.
Resources
--- This website explains the parts of the atom.
- StudyJams Atoms: Protons, Neurtons, and Electrons (REQUIRED)
--- This website contains a video that explains the parts of the atom in simple terms and also contains a quiz that you must answer on your atoms packet.
--- This video uses an analogy to explain the parts of an atom. It is from the TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati" which ran from 1978 to 1982, so forgive the older style clothing. It does contain one profanity.
- PhET Build an Atom Simulation (REQUIRED)
--- This website allows you to build atoms and element symbols. It runs on HTML5. This website goes with one of the activities in your atoms packet.
- PhET Isotopes and Atomic Mass Simulation
---- This website allows you to build isotopes and explore the relationship between subatomic particles and mass. It requires Java to run.
- Chem4Kids Elements and the Periodic Table
--- This website explains the parts of the periodic table.
- StudyJams Periodic Table (REQUIRED)
--- This website contains a video that explains the periodic table in simple terms and also contains a quiz that you must answer on your periodic table packet.
- Crash Course Chemistry #4 The Periodic Table
--- This video explains the history of the periodic table and specifically focuses on Mendeleev.
- Alien Periodic Table (REQUIRED)
--- This website puts you in charge of determining the order of the aliens on the periodic table based on their characteristics, similar to how Mendeleev arranged the elements based on their characteristics. This website goes with one of the activities in your periodic table packet.
- Castle Mendeleev (REQUIRED)
--- This website provides you with clues to identify 18 elements. This website goes with one of the activities in your periodic table packet.
--- This website allows you to learn more about the periodic table.
Process
1) Watch the StudyJams Atoms: Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons video. Complete the quiz while recording your answers on your Atoms Packet. For any question you missed, go back and explain why your answer was incorrect. If necessary, re-watch the video.
2) Complete the fill-in notes in the Atoms Packet using information from the resources above or your textbook.
3) Run the PhET Build an Atom Simulation. Complete the task in your Atoms Packet using the simulation.
4) Complete the Adopt-An-Element Project in your Atoms Packet. You may use the resources above, your textbook, or other resources that you find on your own. Note the project due date on the calendar.
5) Watch the StudyJams Periodic Table video. Complete the quiz while recording your answers on your Periodic Table Packet. For any question that you missed, go back and explain why your answer was incorrect. If necessary, re-watch the video.
6) Complete the fill-in notes in the Periodic Table Packet using information from the resources above or your textbook.
7) Complete the Alien Periodic Table activity in your Periodic Table Packet.
8) Complete the Castle Mendeleev activity in your Periodic Table Packet.
Learning Advice
After completing each packet, it would be helpful to create a concept map showing how each of the important terms of the sub-unit are related. After completing a concept map for each sub-unit, you should also summarize how they relate to each other.
Conclusion
At the end of this webquest, you should be able to:
1) Identify the parts of an atom.
2) Define the terms isotope and ion.
3) Determine the number of protons, neutrons, electrons, mass, energy levels, and valence electrons an atom of an element will have.
4) Explain the structure of the periodic table and periodic trends.
Things to think about:
1) How has our understanding of atoms changed over time? Will it continue to change? Why?
2) Why do elements behave the way they do?
3) Are all elements always classified the same way? Why?
Teacher Resources
This webquest was developed for my Physical Science classes. If used with a chemistry class, it would likely require modification and supplement material. My school operates on a 4x4 block schedule with classes that are 77-82 minutes long. Below is what I would expect my students to have completed each day. I would have the students keep the fill-in-notes page and turn everything else in. Please email me if you have any questions, any of my documents or resources will not load, or if you would like copies of any other materials.
Day 1: Complete steps 1-3.
Day 2: Complete the research portion of part 4. If time, start on the poster. Complete at home.
Day 3: Quiz on atoms. Complete steps 5 & 6. If time, work on Adopt-An-Element poster.
Day 4: Complete steps 7 & 8. Finish anything else that has not yet been completed.
Day 5: Quiz on the periodic table. Review for the test.
Day 6: Review for the test.
Day 7: Test. Adopt-An-Element Project due.