Grade Level/Subject / Physical Science 8th grade
Unit / The Atom
Enduring Understanding / Atoms are composed of small particles that determine the properties of the atom.
SOL Objectives / PS.3The student will investigate and understand the modern and historical models of atomic structure. Key concepts include
a)the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr in understanding the atom; and
b)the modern model of atomic structure.
PS.4The student will investigate and understand the organization and use of the periodic table of elements to obtain information. Key concepts include
a)symbols, atomic number, atomic mass, chemical families (groups), and periods;
Title / Make Your Atoms
Lesson Objective: / Build models of certain isotopes. Use the periodic table to determine the composition of atomic nuclei.
Inquiry Level / 3
Materials Needed / Periodic table, various colored whole punches recycled from the copy machine, glue sticks, pens.
How is it Level 3? / Teacher provides the research question. The methodology is developed by the students. The student can design an older Thompson model or the newer Rutherford model for deeper understanding.

Make Your Atom

Name ______Date ______Per ______

Introduction: Imagine that you are a scientist at Labs-R-Us, which custom builds elements. Your job is to construct the custom elements and isotopes for health companies. You were hired for the position because of your knowledge about atomic structure and your understanding of how isotopes of an element differ from each other. Now, it’s time to put that knowledge to work!

Objectives:

Build models of nuclei of certain isotopes.

Use the periodic table to determine the composition of atomic nuclei.

Procedure:

  1. Find the name for each element in the data table below.
  2. Using the colored whole punches, pens and pencils, design the atoms listed in each box.

Gathering Data/ Demonstrating the Model:

Hydrogen-2 / Helium-4
Beryllium-9 / Carbon-14
Use this space to make one isotope of any other atom.

Analyzing the Results:

  1. How is the mass number used with the atomic number in this lab? (Explain the operation as divide, etc.)
  1. Explain how mass numbers are involved in isotopes.

Drawing Conclusions:

  1. Solve the amount of subatomic particles for uranium-235, and explain how to find each.

Reviewing Vocabulary:

  1. A(n) ______is an atom that has the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
  2. The dense, positively charged center of the atom is the______.
  3. Atoms are composed of small particles that determine the ______of the atom.
  4. The three major subatomic particles are the ______, ______, and ______.