Title: The Periodic Table and Atomic Models
Author: Kim Lipford
Subject Area(s): Science
Grade(s): 8th Grade
Description of Lesson: Students will explore the Periodic Table, learn the parts of an
atom and be able to draw an atomic model.
Length of Lesson: 2 class periods
Student Objectives: Students will be able to read a periodic table, identify the parts of
an atom, and create an atomic model.
Materials: paper plates, multi-colored marshmallows, periodic tables, laptops, and
worksheets from Science Spot
Procedure:
On the first day, students will watch the Periodic Table movie at
http://www.BrainPop.com and complete the BrainPop-Periodic Table worksheet found
at http://sciencespot.net. After the movie, the students will complete a Chemistry
Scavenger Hunt to further explore atoms and elements. The Chemistry Scavenger
Hunt can be found at http://sciencespot.net and the students will use the Science Spot Kid Zone pages to find the answers. After each activity, we will discuss the correct
answers, address any misconceptions, and answer any further questions.
On the second day, we will review how to find the number of protons, neutrons, and
electrons for an atom of helium and an atom of copper. Students will then be given a
periodic table, paper plate, and multi-color marshmallows. The students will create
atomic models for various elements using these supplies.
Scientific Explanation: Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and
electrons. Protons, positively charged, and neutrons, no charge, are located in the
nucleus of an atom. Electrons are negatively charged and are found outside the
nucleus of an atom in electron clouds.
The periodic table of elements contains an element's name, its chemical symbol, its
atomic number, and its atomic mass. The atomic number is the number of protons in an
atom of that element.
Assessment: Formative assessment will be happening both days throughout the class
period. Students will eventually be given an 8th grade common assessment over these
objectives.
Kansas Standard: Standard 2A, Benchmark 1: The student will understand the
structure of an atom.
Missouri Standard: Strand 1: Properties and Principles of Matter and Energy,
Concept F: The periodic table organizes the elements according to their atomic
structure and chemical reactivity.