LESSON 12: Atomic Theory
GRADE: 6
OBJECTIVES:
•
Students will read and construct how scientific theories about the atom have changed over time.
PROCESS SKILLS:
ACTIVITY TYPE
X
Science
Human Endeavor
Required
Inquiry Lesson
Optional
Individual or Extended
Reading Connection
Cooperative Group Project
Writing Prompt
Research Project
Hands-on Science Activity
Culminating Project
Content Integration
Computer Lab Activity
KIT MATERIALS
Science Log page: Atomic Theory Timeline
laminated timeline cards
masking tape
NON-KIT MATERIALS
LESSON 12: Atomic Theory
GRADE: 6
VOCABULARY:
Theory: an explanation for a broad range of ideas and observations that have been supported by testing.
TEACHER BACKGROUND:
It is important for students to understand that scientific information evolves and changes over time. As scientists get better equipment,
improve methods, gain knowledge and share information, their ideas about how things work change. For this reason many scientific
theories change.
LESSON 12: Atomic Theory
PROCEDURE
This lesson corresponds with the text Introduction to Matter, pages 80-86.
1. Draw a timeline across the white board. Begin on the left and label it 440 B.C.,
around 350 B.C. (leave a large unlabeled space on the timeline for the passage of
time), 1700’s, around 1803 (leave some space on the line for a card), 1897, 1911,
1913, today.
2. Ask the class, “What is the smallest part of anything?”
3. Continue by informing the class that people wondered this very thing 2,000
years ago. They did not have microscopes or other powerful tools. Instead, they
had their eyes to look and their brains to think.
4. Through experiments and observations, some similar to what we did in lesson
11, scientists decided everything is made of tiny, tiny particles. These particles
came to be called atoms.
5. Atoms make up all matter. All matter is made of atoms.
6. Lets take a tour through the history of atomic theory to see how our
understanding of atoms has developed.
7. Pass out laminated time-line cards. Have each student read aloud what is placed
on the card, then tape it to the timeline.
8. A timeline is included in the science log for students to use to take notes. You
may want to encourage them to make drawings of the various models mentioned.
GRADE: 6
HELPFUL HINTS
LESSON 12: Atomic Theory
PROCEDURE
9. As a wrap-up, remind students that science information is always changing. As
scientists get better equipment, improve methods, gain knowledge and share
information, their ideas about how things work change. It is important to
continue to read and learn about science. Who knows what one of you might
discover some day!
GRADE: 6
HELPFUL HINTS