Atom
Overview/Rationale
In this unit students get an introduction to the history of atomic theory and how atomic models changed over time. Students identify the subatomic particles in atoms and isotopes. Students then learn multiple representations for electron configuration.
Student Objectives
● Discuss how the theories of Democritus, Dalton and Rutherford have led to the Modern Atomic Model.
● Identify and calculate the three subatomic particles in an atom.
● Identify an element based on its subatomic particles.
● Compare and contrast isotopes of an element.
● Calculate the average atomic mass of an element.
● Relate atomic emission spectra to subatomic particles and apply this idea to authentic scenarios.
● Represent the electron configuration of an atom using orbital diagrams, full electron configuration, and Noble gas configuration.
● Identify the number of particles in a mole and relate it to the atomic mass/molar mass.
Vocabulary
Atom, atomic mass, atomic mass unit, atomic number, mass number, electron, proton, neutron, isotope, nucleus orbital, atomic emission spectra, electron configuration, Noble gas notation, orbital diagram, mole, molar mass, Avogadro’s number, isotope notation
Department Activities:
1. Element project: Students form a word using the symbols on the periodic table, then research the elements in their word. Students relate the word and elements to their lives. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJYXNGRWFxOENBcEU
2. Thickness of Aluminum Foil: Students predict the number of atoms in the thinness of aluminum foil, then apply density to calculate the number of atoms. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJSTZRV19YUlBIemM
3. Timeline of atomic theories and atomic models: Students create a timeline of atomic theory development. Student groups could be assigned one period of history when the atomic model was redefined, then present their period and model to the class. Phet Rutherford Scattering simulation could be used to demonstrate experimental results to determine atomic model that fits results: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering
4. Phet Build an Atom simulation: Students analyze the number of subatomic particles in atoms and isotopes using a phet simulation.
Prelab: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJNWlWTmN3cFU3VVE
Activity handout: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJMEl3Q05lR0Jxazg
5. POGIL – Isotopes: Students develop an understanding of subatomic particles through inquiry. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJUk5GZlh5cE1Relk
6. Calculation of Subatomic Particles activity: Students practice calculating the number of subatomic particles in atoms.
POGIL – Average Atomic Mass: Students develop an understanding of the atomic mass calculation through inquiry.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJaTJmNTFXbmppaUU
Department Activities:
1. Element project: Students form a word using the symbols on the periodic table, then research the elements in their word. Students relate the word and elements to their lives. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJYXNGRWFxOENBcEU
2. Thickness of Aluminum Foil: Students predict the number of atoms in the thinness of aluminum foil, then apply density to calculate the number of atoms. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJSTZRV19YUlBIemM
3. Timeline of atomic theories and atomic models: Students create a timeline of atomic theory development. Student groups could be assigned one period of history when the atomic model was redefined, then present their period and model to the class. Phet Rutherford Scattering simulation could be used to demonstrate experimental results to determine atomic model that fits results: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering
4. Phet Build an Atom simulation: Students analyze the number of subatomic particles in atoms and isotopes using a phet simulation.
Prelab: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJNWlWTmN3cFU3VVE
Activity handout: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJMEl3Q05lR0Jxazg
5. POGIL – Isotopes: Students develop an understanding of subatomic particles through inquiry. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJUk5GZlh5cE1Relk
6. Calculation of Subatomic Particles activity: Students practice calculating the number of subatomic particles in atoms.
7. POGIL – Average Atomic Mass: Students develop an understanding of the atomic mass calculation through inquiry.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJaTJmNTFXbmppaUU
8. Calculate Average Atomic Mass Activity: Students represent isotopes using manipulatives to understand the weighted average calculation represented by atomic mass.
Beanium: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJTXR1X0dFQWRKNzg
Coinium: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJM19taGMxNjhpMnM
Isotopes of candy: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJdmxzVk1yOWYyczQ
Candium: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJYjNhSGpkOVVpaVk
9. PHet simulation to study atomic models: Students use the Phet Hydrogen atom simulation to analyze atomic models. Handout: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJenl0Rkh6cmJEdjA
10. Flame Test Demo/Lab: Students observe atomic emission spectra using flame tests and gas spectrum tubes. If possible, students view the spectra using a spectroscope. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJVTB5bWpCVDFmSlE
11. POGIL – Electron Configurations: Students develop an understanding of orbital diagrams and electron configuration through inquiry. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJOUFvYjdvejJDOVE
Additional Activities:
12. Using Inference – The Black Box: Students do an activity to determine the shape of a hidden object using inference. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJaDlHcVltRWlYMnM
13. Atomic structure foldable: Students review terminology associated with atomic structure. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwJu72q58nkVaE5nMUM0d3cxUms
14. Students build models of atoms, then create artwork based on their model. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwJu72q58nkVVU4zWjhSSEo1VWs
15. POGIL – Electron Energy and Light: Students develop an understanding of atomic emission spectra through inquiry. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJcVZ4ZUwxNlUxZ0U
16. Students build a spectroscope, then use it to analyze atomic emission spectra: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJamlOQTg5ajhTYUk
17. Students celebrate Mole Day on 10/23 by doing a mole day project (such as sewing a stuffed mole) and presenting it to the class. Teacher could add to celebration by performing demonstrations involving future chemistry concepts to give students a need-to-know. To bring the Mole Day celebration to the school, students could “tie-dye” a t-shirt or bandana by making patterns on an item with permanent marker, then dropping ethanol on the items to spread out the design.
Project ideas & demonstrations: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJU2l0WVNYbjFTbXc
Stuffed mole pattern: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJQmNxXzcyN1lGNU0