Grade Level/Subject
Unit
Enduring
Understanding
SOL Objectives
Physical Science 8th grade
The Atom
Atoms are composed of small particles that
determine the properties of the atom.
PS.3
PS.4
Title
Lesson Objective:
Inquiry Level
Materials Needed
How is it Level 3?
The student will investigate and understand the modern
and historical models of atomic structure. Key concepts
include
a) the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford,
and Bohr in understanding the atom; and
b) the modern model of atomic structure.
The student will investigate and understand the
organization and use of the periodic table of elements to
obtain information. Key concepts include
a) symbols, atomic number, atomic mass, chemical
families (groups), and periods;
Make Your Atoms
Build models of certain isotopes. Use the
periodic table to determine the composition of
atomic nuclei.
3
Periodic table, various colored whole punches
recycled from the copy machine, glue sticks,
pens.
Teacher provides the research question. The
methodology is developed by the students. The
student can design an older Thompson model or
the newer Rutherford model for deeper
understanding.
Make Your Atom
Name ________________________________ Date __________________ Per ________________
Introduction: Imagine that you are a scientist at Labs-R-Us, which custom builds elements.
Your job is to construct the custom elements and isotopes for health companies. You were hired
for the position because of your knowledge about atomic structure and your understanding of
how isotopes of an element differ from each other. Now, it’s time to put that knowledge to
work!
Objectives:
Build models of nuclei of certain isotopes.
Use the periodic table to determine the composition of atomic nuclei.
Procedure:
1. Find the name for each element in the data table below.
2. Using the colored whole punches, pens and pencils, design the atoms listed in each box.
Gathering Data/ Demonstrating the Model:
Hydrogen-2
Helium-4
Beryllium-9
Carbon-14
Use this space to make one isotope of any other atom.
Analyzing the Results:
1. How is the mass number used with the atomic number in this lab? (Explain the
operation as divide, etc.)
2. Explain how mass numbers are involved in isotopes.
Drawing Conclusions:
1. Solve the amount of subatomic particles for uranium-235, and explain how to find each.
Reviewing Vocabulary:
1. A(n) _________________ is an atom that has the same number of protons but different
numbers of neutrons.
2. The dense, positively charged center of the atom is the_______________________.
3. Atoms are composed of small particles that determine the ___________________ of
the atom.
4. The three major subatomic particles are the _____________ , ______________ , and
_________________.