Atomic Structure Teacher Resources

In this naming ionic compounds activity, students write the chemical name of 8 ionic compounds given their formulas. They include the Roman numerals for compounds with variable oxidation numbers. Students also write the chemical formulas...

Students describe the science of physics. In this Physics lesson, students observe examples of physics within their classroom. Students create a definition for physics.

Students explore energy conservation. In this environmental lesson plan, students will look at data showing the amounts of energy used, our carbon footprint, and will research a power source. This unit allows for a deeper understanding...

Middle schoolers participate in an Electron Square Dance in which they act the part of atoms. They follow the structure of different atoms suggested by the teacher.

Students describe how elements are arranged on the periodic table. They compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties and on their locations in the periodic table. Students describe the differences between a...

Students examine the periodic table and how it was developed.  In this chemistry instructional activity students identify common properties and uses of elements within a family. 

Learners observe the periodic table and draw the Lewis Dot Diagram.  In this investigative lesson students construct information on several elements including the Lewis Dot Formation and take a quiz on the information they...

Students examine the electromagnetic spectrum and demonstrate the elements within.  For this investigative lesson students complete a demonstration and calculate the energy of a photon. 

Tenth graders distinguish between chemical and physical properties and changes in matter when given specific examples. They view a video of sports activities. Students chose their favorite sport and design an experiment to improve sports...

Students design an experiment to discriminate between chemical diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion and active transport through a membrane. Be specific about predictions and interpretations!

Students distinguish between natural and man-made radiation. They measure radiation using a Geiger counter and investigate footprints of radiation.

Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.

Students discuss the importance of examining crystals and experiment growing them. In groups, they complete a project in which they use groups in geometry just like crystallographers. They practice solving the groups and proofs and...

Students work in small groups with a small set of 8 nuts and 5 bolts to assemble into combinations of 1 nut: 1 bolt, and 2 nuts: 1 bolt. They explore the outcome and discuss. Then a student mixes two clear, colorless solutions together...

Students identify how to relate the position of an element in the periodic table to its atomic number and atomic mass. They identify how to use the periodic table to identify metals, semimetals, nonmetals, and halogens, and also,...

Students are introduced to the periodic table. They find the common trends among the electron configurations and the names of certain groups of the table. Students explore the atomic mass, atomic number, mass number, mass and charge...

Students will discuss the de Brogile Hypothesis and state the circumstances under which the wave nature of matter is observed. They will also calculate the wavelengths of matter waves.

Students read an article about radon and its properties. They examine a periodic table and identify the numbers surrounding an element. They discuss the harmful and helpful effects of radiation.

Students identify the different states of matter. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate the physical properties of the three states. They apply what they learned by playing a team game at the end of the lesson.

Learners identify the periodic table trends and predict material properties. They also design and conduct simple experiments and test material properties. Finally, students compare and contrast material properties and that chemical...

Students intergrate science, technology and society into exploring the periodic table. They investigate one element of their choice and write a one page paper on the elements discovery, properties, uses, and the effect on society.

Pupils investigate the atom and how it is formed. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then construct a model of the atom. Then students have class discussion. The lesson includes background information for the teacher...

Learners study atoms and their protons and neutrons.  In this physical setting lesson students work together to complete a lab activity. 

An explanation of atomic structure and the element groups in the periodic table using plain language. Supported by diagrams and charts.