In this project, you will be researching several scientists whose experiments contributed to the
atom’s structure as we know it today. This project is worth 20 points.
Learning Objectives:
Order each scientist in history
Identify each scientist and his contributions to the current model of the atom
Draw each scientist’s atomic model
Part 1: Research the scientists
Please research the information below for each scientist. Record the answers in your notebook.
These are the concepts that you are expected to know for the Regents exam and the concepts
that may appear on a unit test. You may use the following websites to begin your research but
will probably need to expand your search. You may use internet sources as well as paper sources
like your textbook.
http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/chemistry-in-history/people.aspx
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/letters/
http://www.nobelprize.org/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_theory
http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=50&l=&c3=
1. Who is the only scientist to have an atomic theory and what are the major points of his atomic
theory?
2. What is the nickname for Thomson’s atomic model?
3. What instrument did Thomson use in his experiment? (Hint: it’s inside many TVs today)
4. What particle did Thomson discover?
5. What is the name of the experiment preformed by Rutherford?
6. What are the two major conclusions that Rutherford drew from his experiment?
7. Where outside of the nucleus did Bohr say that electrons are located?
8. Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg helped discover the current model of the atom. What is
the name of that model? How is it different from Bohr’s model?
9. Draw Dalton’s model of the atom and label all the parts. Repeat this for Thomson’s model,
Rutherford’s model, Bohr’s model, and the current model. Be able to place these models on a
timeline at the correct date that they were created.
Part 2: Present the Information
Now that you have found all the needed information you will put it on to an illustrated timeline.
Prove that you understand what each scientist did to discover the atom. Have fun — be creative!
This project is worth 20 points and will be graded on quality of information and creativity.
Several projects will be selected to hang around the room. These projects will earn 2 bonus
points.
Written Requirements
 Typed or neatly written
 No more than 1 page
 In your own words
Art Requirements
 Include at least 3
other historical
events on the timeline
for perspective
 Atomic models are
original drawings
Turning in the project
This project is due in its entirety on Friday, September 28th.
Make sure that your name is on the front or back of your project. Turn in the grading rubric
along with your project
Check out the atomic history song in the “videos” section of Mrs. Falk’s website for inspiration!