Atoms & Molecules: Modelling the Atom

Take a look at the structure of atoms and how they have been modelled over time! Students will be able to observe the crystal lattice structure of salt and the formation of ionic compounds as well as the models of the atom that have been used over human history. Students will also have the opportunity to construct atoms of the first 10 elements of the periodic table using their knowledge of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Curricular Connections

Year 7 - Use particle theory to describe the arrangement of particles in a substance, including the motion of and attraction between particles, and relate this to the properties of the substance - AC9S7U05  

Year 7 - Use a particle model to describe differences between pure substances and mixtures and apply understanding of properties of substances to separate mixtures - AC9S7U06  

Year 8 - Classify matter as elements, compounds or mixtures and compare different representations of these, including 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models, symbols for elements and formulas for molecules and compounds -  AC9S8U06   

Year 9 - Explain how the model of the atom changed following the discovery of electrons, protons and neutrons and describe how natural radioactive decay results in stable atoms - AC9S9U06 

Year 9 - Model the rearrangement of atoms in chemical reactions using a range of representations, including word and simple balanced chemical equations, and use these to demonstrate the law of conservation of mass - AC9S9U07 

Year 10 - Explain how the structure and properties of atoms relate to the organisation of the elements in the periodic table - AC9S10U06

In the microscopic context of a salt cube, students will be able to walk around and observe the structure of an ionic compound. Students can grab specific atoms and observe the actual formation of an ionic compound between chlorine and sodium atoms. A teacher-led lesson will support students in understanding what causes the formation of an ionic compound as well as the common characteristics amongst ionic compounds.

Objective

Describing Ionic Compounds

Description

Students will recognize and describe the formation of ionic compounds and their characteristics.

In the particle chamber, view the behavior of particles in a gas. As the in-experience teacher changes aspects of the gas, like its temperature and volume, students will identify the observable changes in the particles, including the number of collisions.

Objective

Observing Changes in Gas Particles

Description

Students will be able to describe the effects of temperature and volume on the behavior of gas particles and the number of particle collisions.

In the particle chamber, students will observe the action of gas particles. From these particles, students will explore the different models of an atom from the billiard ball model to the Bohr model.

Objective

Identifying Models of the Atom

Description

Students will recognize and describe models of the atom used through history.

Take an opportunity to manipulate subatomic particles to construct an atom in a safe environment! Students will be introduced to the structure of an atom and how to construct neutral atoms in an easy-to-learn and quick-to-master virtual environment while getting automatic and immediate feedback.

Objective

Construct Atomic Models

Description

Students will accurately construct Bohr models of the first 10 elements on the periodic table.

After some practice in the Atom Builder, students will work together in small groups to build atoms once prompted by the experience. By sharing responsibilities, students can race against time - or their peers - to see how many atoms can be built accurately, gathering points by launching accurately constructed atoms into point-multiplying targets!