Atomic Structure and Theory
Objectives in Lesson:
Science Standard
Strand 5: Physical Science Concept 1: Structure and Properties of Matter
PO6: Describe the components of the atom
PO7: Describe the historical development of models of the atom
PO8: Explain the details of atomic structure
Technology Standards
Basic Operations: Students are proficient in the use of technology
Technology research tools: use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources
Technology productivity: Students use productivity tools to collaborate in preparing a creative poster to
represent information
Description of assignment:
This assignment has both individual and group components.
Students will work in groups. Each group will pull a name of an atomic theorist from a ‘hat’. Students
must do a research paper (individually) finding information from the internet on their theorist and the
experiment this man did to change the understanding of the atom. This paper will be the foundation for the rest
of the project. Papers must include a brief history of the scientist, an explanation of the experiment, and what
this contributed to the model of the atom at that time.
Groups must make a model to represent the atom as understood by their theorist. Models must be 3-D,
include all parts (with labels), and should be unique (handmade). Each student is responsible to be able to
explain the atom as well as the experiment that the scientist conducted. All group members should be able to
answer questions about their model and experiment.
Groups are responsible to role play their theorist conducting his experiment. All group members must
have speaking parts and must use props. After the role play the group must be able to answer questions in
character (as their theorist, assistants, family members, etc.)
Groups must computer generate a poster to show their information. Posters must include the theorist’s
name and picture, a labeled diagram of the atom at that time, and a representation of the experiment.
Reference information for assessment strategies:
www.ed.gov/pubs/OR/ConsumerGuides/perfasse.html
http://www.flaguide.org/cat/minutepapers/minutepapers2.php
http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=8&n=14
Student Instructions
Atomic Theorist Project
For this project you will have both individual and group components. You will have one week to complete all
parts of the assignment.
Part 1: 1 Page Report
This is the foundation for the whole project because it will provide you with all of the information you will need
to complete the other four parts. You will have one class period to work on your paper. You must research
your theorist and find information from at least three sources. These sources must be included on a
bibliography page as hyperlinks. The report must be a minimum one page in length and must include the
following
1. A brief history of the theorist including the year of his experiment, death, and any Nobel Prize won.
2. An explanation of the experiment this man performed that changed the model of the atom.
3. Explanation of findings of experiment including a description of the model of the atom at that time.
Part 2: 3-D Model of the Atom
You and your group members must make a 3-D model to represent this theorist’s concept of the atom. Model
must include all parts and the parts must be labeled. You will not be given class time to work on your models,
but if you would like to bring your materials to school you can work on it in class after school.
Part 3: Role Play
Your group must act out your theorist completing his experiment and explain his findings. All group members
must have speaking parts and you must include props (besides your 3-D model). You will have 30 minutes of
class time to work on your skit planning and scripts.
Part 4: Interview
You and your group must remain in character and answer questions about your experiment and what you
learned about the atom as a result of the experiment using your 3-D model. You must also be able to remain in
character when asked about the limits to ‘your’ understanding of the atom (If you are Dalton you know nothing
about the electron cloud).
Part 5: Poster
Your group must make a computer-generated poster (regular printer size paper) to represent information about
your theorist. You will have one class period to work on your poster. Poster must be neat and all items must be
labeled. Be sure to include:
1. A picture of your theorist
2. Theorist’s name
3. A representation of the experiment
4. A picture of the model of the atom.
Your report is worth 20 points. All other parts are worth 5 points each. Be sure to consult the rubric provided
as you work through your project.