Lesson 1: Atomic Theory & Atomic Structure

• Learning Goals:
  • Students will be able to explain the relationship between the atomic number and the mass number of an element. (B3.1)
  • Students will be able to use appropriate terminology when discussing atomic theory and atomic structure (B2.1)
• Hook: Placemat Activity (Diagnostic Assessment)
  • A diagnostic assessment is done in order to determine how much students already know about atomic theory and atomic structure. Students are placed in groups of 4 and are provided with a piece of chart paper and markers. The chart paper will have a graphic organizer drawn on it similar to the one below. Students will be asked to recall what they remember about atomic theory and atomic structure from grade 10. Each student is given a quarter of the chart paper for their individual responses. The students then decided on the 5 most important points and write them in the center section. This can be debriefed as a whole class by each sharing the 5 important points with the class. This will be a great opportunity to address any misconceptions that may arise from the students’ discussion.

Figure B.9: Example Placemat

• Content: Learning Stations
  • This lesson can be done using a variety of learning centers in order to engage the students with the material. Students will work in groups of 3-4 and will move through the learning centers with a handout designed for them to fill out. Materials will be provided at each station to promote learning. Each station will need a piece of technology (e.g., laptop, desktop computer, SMART Board, iPad). The following is an example of some components that can be used at each station.
  • I created a handout as a sample of what can be provided to the students. This can be found as a document at the bottom of the page.
  • Station 1: Atomic Theory – John Dalton, Joseph Thomson & Robert Millikan
    • Universe Today: John Dalton's Atomic Model
    • Chemical Heritage Foundation: Joseph John Thomson
    • Simulation: ChemTours - Cathode-Ray Tube
    • Simulation: ChemTours - Millikan Oil-Drop Experiment

B.14: Electron Cloud Model

• Station 4: Atomic Structure
  • About.com Article: Basic Model of the Atom
  • PHET Simulation: Build an Atom
  • Video: Basic Atomic Structure
  • About.com: Atom Basics Quiz
• Station 5: Atomic Number & Atomic Mass
  • BBC: Atomic Number & Mass Number
  • Education Portal: Video & Quiz - Atomic Number & Mass Number
• Station 6: Bohr-Rutherford Diagrams
  • Have students watch the following YouTube video and then draw 4 different Bohr-Rutherford diagrams.
  • Video: How to Draw Bohr-Rutherford Diagrams (Oxygen)
  • The 4 elements that they can draw are: Boron, Fluorine, Calcium and Neon
• Consolidation: Exit Slip
  • As a consolidation for the lesson, ask students to fill out a 3-2-1 exit slip.
    • 3 things they learned today
    • 2 things they already knew
    • 1 question they have

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