UNIT PLAN
Subject: Physical Science
Unit #_3_
Unit Name_The Structure and Properties of Atoms _
Big Idea/Theme:
The properties of an element are determined by the composition of its atoms. As a result
of this composition, elements can be classified into three main types—metals, nonmetals,
and metalloids.
Culminating Assessment:
 Using the knowledge of atomic structure, build and label a 3D model of the atom.
 Differentiate between the first 18 elements on the Periodic Table and use this
information to create an individual table.
 Create a poster, brochure or PowerPoint explaining the discovery and history of
radioactivity, along with a comparison of a stable and unstable isotope and
applications of a selected element.
Unit Understanding(s)
Students will understand that…
 Atoms will contain subatomic
particles with regard to mass,
location, and charge
 How these particles affect the
properties of an atom
 Illustrate the fact that the atoms of
elements exist as stable or unstable
isotopes.
 There are trends related to the
arrangement of the periodic table.
 Calculate the number of subatomic
particles for a given isotope of an
element.
 Determine oxidation numbers base
on valence electrons.
 Compare fission and fusion.
 Explain the consequences that the
use of nuclear applications can
have.
Unit Essential Question(s):
 What are the subatomic particles
(protons, neutrons, electrons) of an
atom?
 What role do subatomic particles
play with regard to mass, location,
and charge?
 Explain how these particles affect
the properties of an atom (including
identity, mass, volume, and
reactivity).
 Compare and contrast atoms of
elements which exist as stable or
unstable isotopes.
 What is the role of valence
electrons and atomic numbers in the
organization of the periodic table?
 What are the subatomic particles for
a given isotope of an element using
the atomic number and the mass
number?
 What is the predicted oxidation
number of specific elements on the
Periodic Table?
 What is the difference between
fission and fusion reactions?
Including the basic processes and
the fact that both fission and fusion
convert a fraction of the mass of
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Vocabulary
Atom
Electron
Mass number
Group
Nucleus
Quark
Isotope
Radioactivity
Gamma ray
Geiger counter
Critical mass
Ductile
Electron dot
diagram
Alpha particle
Half-life
Nuclear fission
Tracer
Metallic bonding
Nonmetal
Metalloid
Diatomic molecule
Allotrope
interacting particles into energy and
release a great amount of energy.
What are consequences of the use
of nuclear applications (including
medical technologies, nuclear
power plants, and nuclear
weapons)?
Proton
Electron cloud
Average atomic
mass
Period
Neutron
Atomic number
Periodic table
Transmutation
Cloud chamber
Nuclear fusion
Metal
Radioactive
elements
Salt
Semiconductor
Beta particle
Bubble chamber
Chain reaction
Malleable
Transaction element
Strong force
Sublimation
Transuranium
element
Students will know… / Students will be able to…
 Identify the names and symbols of common elements.
 Identify quarks as subatomic particles of matter.
 Describe the electron cloud model of the atom.
 Explain how electrons are arranged in an atom.
 Compute the atomic mass and mass number of an atom.
 Identify the components of isotopes.
 Interpret the average atomic mass of an element.
 Explain the composition of the periodic table.
 Use the periodic table to obtain information.
 Explain what the terms metal, nonmetal, and metalloid mean.
 Describe the structure of an atom and its nucleus.
 Explain what radioactivity is.
 Contrast properties of radioactive and stable nuclei.
 Discuss the discovery of radioactivity.
 Compare and contrast alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
 Define the half-life of radioactive material.
 Describe the process of radioactive dating.
 Describe how radioactivity can be detected in cloud and bubble chambers.
 Explain how an electroscope can be used to detect radiation.
 Explain how a Geiger counter can measure nuclear radiation.
 Explain nuclear fission and how it can begin a chain reaction.
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Discuss how nuclear fusion occurs in the Sun.
Describe how radioactive tracers can be used to diagnose medical
problems.
Discuss how nuclear reactions can help treat cancer.
Describe the properties of a typical metal.
Identify the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.
Differentiate among three groups of transition elements.
Recognize hydrogen as a non metal.
Compare and contrast properties of the halogens.
Describe properties and uses of the noble gases.
Distinguish among metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.
Describe the nature of allotropes.
Recognize the significance of differences in crystal structure in carbon.
Understand the importance of synthetic elements.
South Carolina Academic Standards:
PS-2.1 Compare the subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons) of an atom with
regard to mass, location, and charge, and explain how these particles affect the
properties of an atom (including identity, mass, volume, and reactivity).
PS-2.2 Illustrate the fact that the atoms of elements exist as stable or unstable isotopes.
PS-2.3 Explain the trends of the periodic table based on the elements’ valence electrons
and atomic numbers.
PS-2.4 Use the atomic number and the mass number to calculate the number of protons,
neutrons, and/or electrons for a given isotope of an element.
PS-2.5 Predict the charge that a representative element will acquire according to the
arrangement of electrons in its outer energy level.
PS-2.6 Compare fission and fusion (including the basic processes and the fact that both
fission and fusion convert a fraction of the mass of interacting particles into
energy and release a great amount of energy).
PS-2.7 Explain the consequences that the use of nuclear applications (including
medical technologies, nuclear power plants, and nuclear weapons) can have.
Interim Assessment (formative)
 Formal/Informal Pre-assessment
 Class Participation
 Teacher Observations
 Graphic Organizer
 Notebooks
 Exit Slips
 Writing assignments
 Laboratory assignments
 Group Work
 Quizzes
 Tests
 Projects
Key Criteria (to meet the standard/rubric)
 See Rubric Guide for appropriate rubrics.