Classroom Resources: Atomic Structure
1 – 25 of 66 Classroom Resources
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Atomic Theory, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles, History | High School
Demonstration: The Hoopla about Atoms Mark as Favorite (19 Favorites)
In this demonstration, students use a hula hoop that has a ball in the center (hung from a string) to simulate Rutherford’s gold foil experiment.
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Periodic Table, Elements, Atomic Mass, Subatomic Particles | Middle School, High School
Activity: Periodic Table Connect The Dots Mark as Favorite (28 Favorites)
In this activity, students solve a series of clues about elements in order to uncover a message that has been hidden in the periodic table. Using the clues, students draw lines between identified elements on the table, which then connect to form the message. Two versions of this activity are available, varying the difficulty level of the clues.
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Periodic Table, Elements, Physical Properties, History, Atomic Mass, Subatomic Particles | High School
Activity: Which Element Am I? Mark as Favorite (18 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be challenged by a list of clues that describe 50 different elements from the periodic table. Using their own knowledge, or the help of the internet students will determine the identity of each element based on the clue provided.
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Emission Spectrum, Electrons, Electrostatic Forces | High School
Lesson Plan: Introduction to PES Mark as Favorite (21 Favorites)
In this lesson students will learn how to interpret simple photoelectron spectroscopy spectra by incorporating their knowledge of electron configurations, periodic trends, and Coulomb’s law.
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Atomic Theory, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles, Isotopes, Ions, Atomic Spectra, Emission Spectrum, Orbitals , Electrons | High School
Lesson Plan: Atomic Structure Unit Plan Mark as Favorite (34 Favorites)
The AACT high school classroom resource library has everything you need to put together a unit plan for your classroom: lessons, activities, labs, projects, videos, simulations, and animations. We constructed a unit plan using AACT resources that is designed to teach Atomic Structure to your students.
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Electrons | High School
Lab: Determination of the Activation Energy of a Lightstick Mark as Favorite (10 Favorites)
In this lesson students will participate in an inquiry-based lab approach to determine the activation energy of the chemiluminescent reaction in a lightstick. Students will use the Vernier LabQuest to collect data related to light and temperature for analysis using the Arrhenius equation.
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Electrostatic Forces, Ionization Energy, Subatomic Particles, Electrons | High School
Lesson Plan: Coulomb's Law Mark as Favorite (28 Favorites)
In this lesson students explore qualitative applications of Coulomb’s law within atoms and between ions and solvents.
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Periodic Table, History, Physical Properties, Chemical Properties, Atomic Mass, Atomic Theory, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles | Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Activity: Mendeleev Video Questions Mark as Favorite (9 Favorites)
In this activity, students will watch a video and answer questions about Dimitri Mendeleev. They will learn about his contribution to chemistry, including his organization of the periodic table and awareness to leave gaps for elements that weren’t yet discovered.
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Periodic Table, History, Physical Properties, Chemical Properties, Subatomic Particles, Atomic Mass | Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Activity: History of the Periodic Table Video Questions Mark as Favorite (14 Favorites)
In this activity, students will answer questions while watching a video about how the periodic table was developed and learn about those who contributed to it.
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Atomic Theory, Orbitals , Electrons, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles, History | Middle School, High School
Activity: Neils Bohr Video Questions Mark as Favorite (9 Favorites)
In this activity, students will answer questions while watching a video about Niels Bohr and learn how he redefined thinking about the atom and the electron. His model of the atom advanced our understanding of subatomic particles and holds an important place in the history and development of atomic theory.
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Radioactive Isotopes, Radiation, Half Lives, Subatomic Particles, Model of the Atom, History | Middle School, High School
Activity: Marie Curie Video Questions Mark as Favorite (5 Favorites)
In this activity, students will watch a short video and learn about Marie Curie, her Nobel Prizes, radiation experiments, and discovery of new elements.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum, Atomic Spectra, Electrons | High School
Lab: Mystical Fire Investigation Mark as Favorite (18 Favorites)
In this lab, students will create several testable questions based upon their observations of a mystical fire. Students then direct their own laboratory experience as they safely investigate these testable questions through the use of multiple flame tests.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum, Atomic Spectra, Electrons, Identifying an Unknown | High School
Lab: The Case of the Contaminated Well Mark as Favorite (33 Favorites)
In this lab, students will observe the colors produced when different metal salt solutions are heated in a flame. Students will take on the role of a forensic investigator and use their results to help them determine if collected evidence was contaminated.
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Atomic Theory, Subatomic Particles, Model of the Atom, History | Middle School, High School
Activity: Ernest Rutherford Video Questions Mark as Favorite (6 Favorites)
In this activity, students will watch a video about Ernest Rutherford. They will learn about his great contributions to chemistry, including his study of alpha particles and his use of the gold foil experiment. They will also find out that he won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his studies on radioactive substances.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum, Atomic Spectra, Electrons | High School
Demonstration: Flame Test (Rainbow Demo) Mark as Favorite (25 Favorites)
In this demonstration, students will observe the variety of colors produced when different metals or metallic salts are heated in a flame.
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Isotopes, Atomic Mass, Subatomic Particles | Middle School, High School
Activity: Candy Isotopes & Atomic Mass Mark as Favorite (22 Favorites)
In this activity, students will learn about isotopes and be introduced to basic average atomic mass calculations. They will use simple numbers and M&M candies to model ratios that approximate real world atomic mass values on the periodic table.
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Covalent Bonding, Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory, Electronegativity, Polarity, Atomic Radius, Valence Electrons | High School
Project: Molecular Modeling Mark as Favorite (35 Favorites)
In this project, students will research a molecule selected from the teacher approved list, construct a three-dimensional model of the molecule, and present their research to the class in a 7-10 minute oral presentation.
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Electron Configuration, Precipitate, Balancing Equations, Electrons, Valence Electrons, Solubility Rules, Classification of Reactions | High School
Lesson Plan: Transition Metals Color the World Mark as Favorite (33 Favorites)
In this lesson students will complete a series of double replacement reactions to form precipitates. The precipitates will be used as a pigment to create paint.
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Radioactive Isotopes, Atomic Theory, History, Pros Cons of Nuclear Power, Radiation, Subatomic Particles | Middle School, High School
Activity: Lise Meitner Video Questions Mark as Favorite (7 Favorites)
In this activity, students will complete a short series of questions as they watch the Founders of Chemistry video about Lise Meitner. The video tells the story of Lise Meitner, a pioneering female scientist in the field of nuclear chemistry, who was denied a Nobel Prize but has an Element named in her honor.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum, Emission Spectrum, Emission Spectrum, Electrons | Middle School, High School
Lesson Plan: Let it Glow Mark as Favorite (12 Favorites)
In this lesson students will investigate the fluorescence of a variety of everyday items as well as prepared samples under a black light. Students will examine the concepts of absorption and subsequent emission of photons, as well as wavelength, frequency, and energy of electromagnetic radiation. As extension activities, students will learn about phosphorescence and research real-life applications of photoluminescence.
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Pros Cons of Nuclear Power, Radiation, Radioactive Isotopes, Atomic Theory, Atoms, History | Middle School, High School
Video: Lise Meitner Video Mark as Favorite (10 Favorites)
This video tells the story of Lise Meitner, a pioneering female scientist in the field of nuclear chemistry, who was denied a Nobel Prize but has an Element named in her honor.
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Periodic Table, Elements, History, Subatomic Particles, Atomic Mass, Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding | Middle School, High School
Project: Exploring Elements Mark as Favorite (35 Favorites)
In this project, students will select an element and then use Ptable.com to explore aspects of the element including its periodicity, electron configuration, history, and uses in industry.
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Metallic Bonding, Electrons, Electricity, Electrostatic Forces | High School
Demonstration: Metallic Bonding & Magnetics Mark as Favorite (6 Favorites)
In this demonstration students will observe how electrons flow through a metal in an example of metallic bonding. Using tubes made of different metal materials as well as one made of plastic, in combination with a rare earth magnet (neodymium magnet) the teacher will demonstrate how electrons will flow freely through a metal and create a magnetic field.
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Isotopes, Atomic Mass, Subatomic Particles | Middle School, High School
Activity: Simulation Activity: Isotopes & Calculating Average Atomic Mass Mark as Favorite (28 Favorites)
In this simulation, students first learn how the average atomic mass is determined through a tutorial based on the isotope abundance for Carbon. Students will then interact within a workspace where they will select the number of isotopes, the mass of each isotope as well as their abundancies in order to successfully build a mystery element. Finally they will use their choices to calculate the average atomic mass of the mystery element.