Parts of an Atom

The students will learn the characteristics and locations of the subatomic particles of an atom. The students will utilize PBS Learning Media resources and teacher-created learning activities to study protons, neutrons, electrons, and nuclei. The student will create their own atomic model to illustrate the components of elements.

Duration
2-3 hours
Lesson Type
1:1 Lesson

Lesson Created By: MattieShuler

Essential Question

How can you develop and use simple atomic models to illustrate the components of elements (including the relative position and charge of protons, neutrons, and electrons)?

Grade(s):

  • 7

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:

Internet

Digital Device for students (PC, Laptop, Chromebook, tablet, or iPad, etc.)

Cloud File Storage (Google Drive, iCloud, One Drive, or Dropbox, etc.)

Digital Productivity Software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.)

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

If digital services are not available, then the following can be used in their place:

Science Journal

Paper

Pens

Pencils

Art Supplies for the model

Lesson Progression

  1. Bell Ringer - The teacher will review matter with the class by having them watch this video, ”What's The Matter?” - https://scetv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/18d31a25-7013-42cb-997f-2ba306e7b438/whats-the-matter-unc-tv-science/ The students will complete the learning activity, “What’s The Matter? Learning Activity.” The teacher should provide the activity to the students prior to sharing the video so the students know their expectations, this can be done digitally, printed, or in the students’ journals.  The teacher will use the document “What’s the Matter? Learning Activity Answer Key” to check for students' understanding. Review with the class and provide feedback. 
     
  2. The teacher will review the performance indicator and essential question with the students. The students should discuss their background knowledge about atoms to determine what  the students already know. The teacher needs to inform the students that elements are pure substances that contain only one kind of atom like carbon or oxygen. 
     
  3. The students will complete the “Atomic Structure” Interactive - https://scetv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.matter.theatom/the-atom/. This can be done as a whole group, small groups, or individually. The students need to be able to complete the “Atomic Structure Interactive Learning Activity” to be used as notes to be used for the culminating assessment.  This can be done in their journals or digitally. The teacher should provide the activity and review prior to the beginning of the interactive so the students can understand their expectations. The students should submit the assignment when finished. The teacher needs to check for understanding and review the answers with the class (“Atomic Structure Interactive Learning Activity Answer Key”) to provide accurate feedback. 
     
  4. Students will create their own atom model digitally (Any presentation software like PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc. will suffice) or arts supplies. Students can use circles to represent the subatomic particles in their model. The subatomic particles (neutrons, protons, and electrons), charges of the subatomic particles, location of subatomic particles, atomic number, and nucleus must be included. See rubric and directions on the assessment page, “Model of an Atom Project.”
     
  5. The teacher will review the essential question with the students and review the components of an atom with the class.

Teacher Notes

If you are using a cloud file storage system (Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or iCloud), I would recommend having the students create a digital folder for this lesson to save their notes and student work. It will help with organization.

SUPPORT GUIDE 3.0 FOR SEVENTH GRADE SOUTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR SCIENCE

Support Document for Seventh Grade SC Science Standards (pages 12 - 13)

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“What's The Matter?” Video

PBS Learning Media Video - Matter takes up space, and has stuff inside. But why does matter matter? Find out with this video.

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“What’s The Matter?” Video Learning Activity

Learning activity to be completed during the video by the students.

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“What’s The Matter?” Video Learning Activity Answer Key

Teacher's Answer Key for the "What’s the Matter?" Video learning activity

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“Atomic Structure” Interactive

PBS Learning Media Interactive. In this interactive activity from ChemThink, learn about atomic structure. Follow the tutorial to understand how individual atoms—the basis of all matter—are composed of subatomic particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. Investigate the three types of particles, their properties (such as mass and charge), and relative locations.

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“Atomic Structure” Interactive Learning Activity

Learning Activity to be completed by the students while working on the interactive. This can also be used as notes for the lesson.

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“Atomic Structure” Interactive Learning Activity Answer Key

Teacher's Answer Key for the "Atomic Structure" Interactive Learning Activity to check for students’ understanding.

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Assessments