Atoms Grade Level: 4 6 Teacher Guidelines pages 1 2 Instructional Pages pages 3 5 Activity Pages pages 6 7 Homework Page page 8 Answer Key page 9
Classroom Procedure: 1. Display the different items collected ahead of time for students to see. Have one of the items be a student in the classroom. 2. Ask: What do all of these items have in common? 3. Allow responses. Some students may come up with some logical answers. Keep adding items to the display one at a time. 4. After about 5-7 minutes reveal the answer: All objects are made of atoms. 5. Distribute the Atoms content page for students to read independently or aloud. 6. Discuss some of the content; allow time for questions, and discussion. 7. Explain to students they will be creating a model of an atom using the supplies provided. 8. Distribute instructions to each student: Making an Atom Model handout 9. Remind students that it is just a model, and that atoms are mainly empty space, and the parts of atoms are not equal in size 10. Distribute a copy of the Periodic Table to each student 11. Assign one of the elements/atoms to each student 12. Review the instructions and monitor students during the lesson 13. Be sure students understand the location of the protons, neutrons, and electrons 14. Following the completion of the model creation, have student volunteers present the atom to the class. 15. Students should be able to identify and explain the location of the nucleus, protons, neutrons, and electrons, as well as the movement of the electrons. (continued) Approximate Grade Level: 4-6 Objectives: The students will be able to define an atom, identify its main parts and characteristics, and create a model of a simple atom. Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA.Reading.4-5.RI.3 CCSS.ELA.Reading.4-5.RI.4 CCSS.ELA.Reading.4-5.RI.7 CCSS.ELA.Science.6.RST.3 CCSS.ELA.Science.6.RST.4 CCSS.ELA.Science.6.RST.7 Class Sessions (45 minutes): Two or three sessions Teaching Materials/Worksheets: Atoms content page; Making an Atom Model handout; in-class worksheet, homework page, Element Page Student Supplies: Atoms content page; Making an Atom Model handout; cotton balls to create a model, paint, glue, tape, or other necessary supplies depending on method used to create models; homework page Prepare Ahead of Time: Gather about 10 starkly different items to be used for the opening to the lesson, be sure there is a mix of solids, liquids, gases. Copies of electron path stencils, Periodic Table, and other handouts. Review the instructions and need supplies. Additional Resources: http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_intro.html (teaching help) http://sciencenotes.org/printable-periodic-table/ (printable periodic tables) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rmv5qhwye (6 min. youtube video) http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/lsps07_int_theatom/ (independent learning tool) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5iaw5wnub0 (song option) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le9a8c0pk2c (tune with words on screen) Options for Lesson: Students work in pairs. Use other materials for the models. Have students make models of more than one element. Assign an element to each student. Instead of using the supplies, have students make 2D models using poster board or other supplies, markers, etc. For advanced students with access to computer, use independent learning tool resource. The tune with words on screen good for lower level students.
Classroom Procedure (continued): 16. Following several presentations, ask students if they have questions or comments for discussion. 17. Distribute the homework assignment 18. The next day collect or review the homework assignment with students Teacher Notes The lesson about Atoms can range from being too simple to becoming too complex, and it is dependent on the learning level of your students, the curriculum you are following, and the level of understanding you wish the students to have. Use the additional resources for assistance if necessary, as well as related lessons to enhance the learning opportunities for your students.
Atoms Atoms are the building blocks or the pieces that make up everything. Without atoms you would not exist, the paper or computer you are using to read this text would not exist, and nothing in the world or universe would exist. Billions of atoms make up your body. Atoms make up the cells that are a part of everyone s body. Atoms make up every solid, liquid, or gas. The water you drink, the oxygen in the air, and the Earth you walk on are all made up of atoms. Atoms are tiny and cannot be seen without a special microscope. The inside of every atom contains three different particles. These particles are called protons, neutrons, and electrons. The differences in these particles of an atom, and how they react with other atoms, determine what is created by the atom.
Atoms, continued A proton carries one unit of positive electric charge. An electron carries one unit of a negative electric charge. Neutrons have no electric charges. The protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus is found in the center of the atom. The electrons spin around on the outside of the nucleus in what is called the shell.
Elements These different ways atoms are organized make up elements. Elements make up the things called molecules. Elements are different from each other and there are about 120 of them. The 120 plus elements are included on The Periodic Table of Elements. This table is used by chemists and other scientists. The image on the left shows oxygen from the table with 8 protons. The image on the right shows helium having 2 protons. The other number is the atomic weight of each element. The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom determines what the element is. Think of elements as being like the letters that make up words. Many different letters make up words. Well, many different elements make everything around you. Most things in the universe are made up of the atoms or elements that are joined together. When the atoms or elements are joined together they make molecules. A molecule is a particle that contains more than one atom joined together. Water is an example of a molecule made up of different atoms. The atoms or elements for water include hydrogen and oxygen. It takes two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen to make a single molecule of water. This single molecule is still extremely tiny and cannot be seen without a special microscope. Some elements are made up of single atoms and do not attach to other atoms. Neon is an example. However, there are certain atoms that attach to themselves to make different substances. Oxygen is an example, which is usually made up of two-atom molecules. Sometimes atoms can be very confusing but it sometimes can be thought of as a recipe. In summary, the particles (or ingredients) that make up an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atoms (another ingredient) or elements are particles joined together in many different ways and methods to form molecules. The elements (or ingredients) are listed on a chart called The Periodic Table of Elements. Finally, the molecules (more ingredients) are joined together to make everything on Earth and in the universe. The Periodic Table of Elements
TEACHERS: This page can be used as a stencil for the electron paths/shell of atoms. Use the stencils to trace on heavier stock paper, cardboard, etc. Students will cut out the size of circles needed and trace onto the heavier stock paper or cardboard. Students can then glue the cotton balls to the electron paths.
Activity Page Name Date Making an Atom Model Supplies Needed: cotton balls, paint, glue or tape, Periodic Table element, electron path stencils, heavy stock paper/cardboard, scissors, string 1. The teacher will assign you one of the atoms from the Periodic Table 2. Identify the number of protons: The Atomic Number 3. Identify the number of electrons: Same as the number of protons 4. Identify the number of neutrons: Atomic Weight minus the Atomic Number (round the atomic weight to the nearest whole number then subtract) In this sample the Atomic Number is 2. The Helium Atom has 2 protons and 2 electrons. The Atomic Weight is 4.00. Subtract the Atomic Number from the Atomic Weight. 4 2 = 2. There are also 2 neutrons. 5. Add the total of protons, neutrons and electrons. This is the total number of cotton balls needed. 6. Paint each part of the atom a different color. 7. Using the electron path stencils, cut out some paths/shells for the electrons. 8. Once the paint dries, use the sample sketch of the helium atom below to guide you in making your atom model. 9. You will glue or tape the electrons on the path. 10. If you have questions, ask the teacher or another student for help. 11. Once everything is done, use the string to connect everything together and your atom model is ready to hang. String Nucleus Neutrons Protons Electrons Electron Path/Shell You can use other colors, but be sure each part of the atom has a different color. Include more than one path/shell for the electrons to spin around the nucleus. You may also choose to add a small label to indicate the name of the atom.
Homework Name Label each part of the Atom 1. 1 2. 2 4 3. 3 4. Fill in the blank or answer each question 1. The proton of an atom has a charge. 2. The electron of an atom has a charge. 3. Which part of the atom does not have a charge? 4. The center part of the atom is called the. 5. Atoms or make up molecules. 6. The Periodic Table of is used by chemists and other scientists. 7. A is a particle that contains more than one atom joined together. 8. The spin around on the outside of the nucleus. 9. True or False: Atoms are small, but they can be seen all around you. 10. An atom has the same number of and electrons. 11. are the building blocks or the pieces that make up everything. In your own words, write a definition of atoms and how they make up everything in the world:
Homework ANSWER KEY Name Label each part of the Atom 1. nucleus 1 2. neutrons 2 4 3. electrons 3 4. protons Fill in the blank or answer each question 5. The proton of an atom has a positive charge. 6. The electron of an atom has a negative charge. 7. Which part of the atom does not have a charge? neutron 8. The center part of the atom is called the nucleus. 9. Atoms or elements make up molecules. 10. The Periodic Table of Elements is used by chemists and other scientists. 11. A molecule is a particle that contains more than one atom joined together. 12. The electrons spin around on the outside of the nucleus. 13. True or False: Atoms are small, but they can be seen all around you. 14. An atom has the same number of protons and electrons. 15. Atoms are the building blocks or the pieces that make up everything. In your own words, write a definition of atoms and how they make up everything in the world: Answers will vary