Abington Heights High School
Chem I L-2
Atomic Theory Project (40 pts)
Purpose:
To trace the development of atomic theory and to examine how the model of the atom has changed from
the time of Democritus, the discoveries of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and Schrodinger (electron
cloud model).
Task:
Using the sites provided below, you along with two classmates (GROUPS OF 3) will present your atomic
theory project in one of the following formats. Each format will be presented orally.
A. Build the following atomic models: Plum pudding (Thomson), Rutherford’s, Planetary (Bohr) and the
electron cloud model (Schrodinger). Include the following for full credit:
• A 2-D or 3-D model for each.
• A typed/double spaced brief written description of each model will be submitted at the time of the
presentation.
• A typed/double spaced bibliography page citing all sources used.
o For a list of sample MLA citations follow this web address:
http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/style_mla.htm
B. Present the development of the atomic theory (Democritus, Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr, and
Schrodinger - Electron cloud).) in a video presentation to the class. The format of the presentation should
be discussed with me in advance. Include the following:
 A 5 min video segment.
 A typed/double spaced description of each model included in the video will be submitted at the
time of the presentation.
 A typed/double spaced bibliography page citing all sources used (See website above)
 A list of the roles of each group member.
C. Compose and perform a poem, rap, or song, explaining how the atomic model has changed over time
with each new scientific discovery.
 A copy of the piece to be submitted at the time of the performance.
 The poem should include all atomic models (Democritus, Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr, and
Schrodinger - Electron cloud).
 A typed/double spaced bibliography page citing all sources used (See website above)
D. Develop a timeline to show significant dates and scientists involved in the development of the atomic
theory from early Greek model up to the 1920s (from Democritus to Schrodinger’s current electron cloud
model).
 The timeline must be drawn on a poster board and must include color. Be creative! You may draw
or create 3-D models to go along with the timeline!
 You MUST include all scientists/models discussed in class. (Democritus, Dalton, Thomson,
Rutherford, Bohr, Schrodinger - Electron cloud).
 A typed/double spaced paragraph description of each scientist/theory labeled on the timeline will
be submitted at the time of the presentation.
 A typed/double spaced bibliography page citing all sources used (See website above)
Abington Heights High School
Chem I L-2
E. Give a short lecture 5-6 min, using power point to illustrate key points, diagrams, and animated models,
on the development of the current model of the atom.
 The theories of Democritus, Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr, and Schrodinger - Electron cloud
should be included.
 Explain the argument used by each scientist as to why his or her model disproved the previous
model.
 A typed/double spaced bibliography page citing all sources used (See website above)
Resources:
You are not limited to the following resources; however, you must include a bibliography for any resources
that you use!
1. Overview of history of atomic model development
http://scienceblogs.com/dotphysics/2009/09/04/the-development-of-the-atomic-model/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp13at.html
2. Atomic Structure Timeline
http://atomictimeline.net/index.php
3. Dalton’s Theory
http://dl.clackamas.edu/ch104-04/dalton's.htm
http://www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/composition/dalton.html
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/atoms/dalton.shtml
4. Thomson’s Experiment
http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjhome.htm
http://www.egglescliffe.org.uk/physics/particles/electron/electron.html
5. Rutherford’s Experiment
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Rutherford.html
http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/history/rutherford.html
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys05/catomodel/ruther.htm
6. Bohr Model
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys05/catomodel/bohr.htm
http://chemistry.about.com/od/atomicstructure/a/bohr-model.htm
http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/glossary/bohr_atom.html
7. Electron Cloud (Quantum Mechanical) Model
http://www.practicalphysics.org/go/Guidance_92.html
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys05/catomodel/cloud.htm
Abington Heights High School
Chem I L-2
Grading:
The project will be a total of 40 points. (30 pts for the project, 10 pts for the presentation)
Your project will be graded on the following areas:
• Quality of information (20 pts)
o Includes all specified guidelines (See Task List above)
• Creativity (8 pts)
• Group participation (2 pts)
*All video projects will be shown in class. All songs/poems/raps will be recorded and all other projects
will be displayed in the room!
The following presentation rubric will be used:
0 Points
1 Point
2 Points
3 Points
Amateurs
Rookies
Professionals
Champion Team
Content of
Presentation
Includes some
essential
information and a
few facts.
Includes
essential
information and
enough
elaboration so
that peers
understand the
topic.
Covers topic
completely and
in depth. Peers
completely
understand topic
and are able to
make appropriate
comparisons.
Oral
Presentation
Skills
Some difficulty
communicating
ideas, due to voice
projection, lack of
preparation, or
incomplete work.
Communicates
ideas with
proper voice
projection,
adequate
preparation, and
some
enthusiasm.
Communicates
ideas with
enthusiasm,
proper voice
projection,
appropriate
language, and
clear delivery.
In addition to
completely
understanding the
topic, presenters
make comparisons
to other theories and
give details of
working conditions
and scientists.
All team members
are involved
enthusiastically in
presentation. Not a
one-player team.
Visual
Information
Model is clear with
some information,
but does not convey
the totality of the
theory.
Model (2-D or
3-D) is easy to
gives clear
summary of
essential
meaning of the
theory.
Model conveys
complete
understanding of
the theory, both
the accuracies
and
shortcomings.
Some type of
technological media
is used to convey a
complete
understanding of the
theory, its
accuracies and
shortcomings
Total
.
For this rubric, the scale is as follows: 8-9 = Champs, 5-7 = Pros, 2-4 = Rookies, 0-1 = Amateurs
Important Dates:
*Your group must choose a project and get approval by __________________________
*You will have one full class period (TBA) to work on this project. Extra time needed must be completed on
your own time!
Due Date: