Browse Activities

Build an Atom: Introduction

Title	Build an Atom: Introduction
Description	This activity was used in fall 2010 as the simulation was being developed; since then we have added a Game tab, but there are not directions for how this might be used. Also, the pre-and post- test provided were used as part of a research project and are not essential. On the slides, there is an activity using toothpicks and mallows that could be used as a hook. This lesson is for students who may not have had much introduction to atomic particles, but know that matter is made of atoms, molecules and ions. Learning Objectives-Students will be able to: 1.Make atom models that show stable atoms or ions. 2.Use information about the number protons, neutrons, and electrons to •Identify an element and its position on the periodic table •Draw models of atoms •Determine if the model is for a neutral atom or an ion 3.Predict how addition or subtraction of a proton, neutron, or electron will change the element, the charge, and the mass of their atom or ion. 4.Define proton, neutron, electron, atom, and ion.
Subject	Chemistry, Physics
Level	High School, Middle School
Type	Demonstration, Lab
Duration	90 minutes
Answers Included	No
Language	English
Keywords	atomic structure, electron, element, mass, neutron, notation, proton
Simulation(s)	Build an Atom

Author(s)	Trish Loeblein, Kathy Perkins
Contact Email	patricia.loeblein@colorado.edu
School / Organization	PhET
Date submitted	12/31/10
Date updated	1/22/16