Lesson Title: Atoms by Numbers Practice
Objectives:

Use technology to give practice with the periodic table, patterns of organization, and these
components of an element: atomic number, atomic mass, electron number, proton number, neutron
number
Materials:
-computer lab (access to phet)
-periodic table
Teacher Notes and Overview:
Detailed Daily Plan:
Warm-up:
Post model Carbon atom, ask student to find how many electrons, protons and neutrons in the atom?
What is the atomic number, what is the atomic mass of the atom? What is this Atom
Describe the difference between atomic mass calculated through the number of neutrons + protons
and the avg atomic mass calculated through the isotopes
Procedure:
1. In class have periodic tables out and do Atoms by number worksheet. (or alternatively, can assign as
homework to practice their skills)
2. If possible, model the first 2 elements on the data table for students to trouble shoot how to open the link
on phet and how to navigate the program.
3. Go to computer room and have student to complete data table.
Exit Slip:
N/A
Student Worksheets/Signs:
Copy Atoms by Number worksheet for each student
Copy Atomic Structure Worksheet below for each student
Atom by number Worksheet
Name____________Period________
1. Look at the model of the atom and fill in the table
Electron #
Proton (dark)#
Neutron #
Atomic number
Atomic mass
Atom name
Atom symbol
2. Use periodic table to fill in the table
Atomic Structure Worksheet
Name__________________________Period _____
1.
2.
3.
4.
Log on to your computer, go to website http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-an-atom.
Click on “Run Now!”
Click on the green “+” signs on the right side of the screen to see helpful windows.
Use the program to help you fill in the chart below.
a. Start by adding protons to your atom until you get to the correct element name.
b. Then, add neutrons and electrons until your atom is both “stable” and “neutral”.
Element Element
Atomic
Atomic Number Number
Number of Draw a model
Symbol
Name
Number Mass
of
of
electrons
(p+ = protons,
protons
neutrons
n=neutrons, e- =
electrons)
O
Helium
7
Na
Cl
If you finish early, play the game to review! (Click on the “Game” tab at the top of the page.)