Curated OER
What is an Atom?
Third graders understand that the smallest particle is an atom. In this matter instructional activity, 3rd graders make a piece of aluminum smaller and smaller to see that what's left is still aluminum. Students recognize that cutting...
Curated OER
What do Atoms Look Like?
In this atom worksheet, students answer 31 multiple choice questions about the structure of atoms, the periodic table, the reactivity of elements, orbital diagrams and the families of elements.
Curated OER
Edible Atom/Molecule
Upcoming chemists construct atom or molecule models out of candy. This is a classic idea that learners really enjoy; however, this lesson plan is vague. There is no instruction about the structure of atoms or molecules. Make sure you...
Curated OER
Atoms : A Self Guided Computer Activity
"Self-guided Computer Activity" simply means that young chemists read through the slides and take notes about atoms along the way. There is an abundance of text on each slide, making this a comprehensive introduction to atomic structure....
Carolina Biological Supply
Building Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes HD
Atomic theory, a periodic table, and a place to practice making atom models without having to draw every proton, neutron, electron, and orbital! This resource is colorful, visually pleasing, and easy to use.
Cornell University
The Making of Macromolecules
Compare and contrast macromolecules made from the same elements. Young scholars learn how the structure of a molecule has as much influence on a compound as the elements in the molecule. They experiment with molecular model kits to...
Curated OER
Making Molecules
In this making molecules worksheet, students complete a table of elements with their symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of electrons, period and group. Students then make models using pipe cleaners and beads of...
Curated OER
Atomic Structure and Ionic Bonding (A Visual Approach)
Using toothpicks, marshmallows, and round colored sticky dots, physical science enthusiasts build models of an atomic nucleus. In this eighth grade chemistry lesson plan, they play an atom-naming game with the models that they have...
Shelby County Schools
Atomic Structure Worksheet
Teaching young scientists about atoms is no small task, but this series of worksheets will make it a little easier. From creating and labeling Bohr models, to identifying information provided in the periodic table of elements, this...
American Chemical Society
Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons
Atomic bombs harness the power in the nucleus of an atom, creating devastating power and damage. Classes review parts of an atom by charging a piece of plastic and holding it near their fingers, discussing what is happening and why....
PhET
Build a Molecule
How many different molecules can you build? In a simulation, learners make molecules from given atoms. There are numerous collections from which to build three to five molecules from given kits of atoms. Scholars can also view their...
Perkins School for the Blind
Building an Organic Molecule
Glucose is a simple sugar and a molecule that can be illustrated through modeling. Scientific investigators with visual impairments use hands-on models to reconstruct the process of bonding molecules. The tools used in this activity are...
PhET
Molecule Shapes: Basics
In molecules, bonds rotate about the nucleus due to the repulsion of subatomic particles. In a simulation, learners manipulate the bonds of a molecule to meet the atoms' needs. They can then see the specific molecular shapes of five...
Curated OER
Gumdrop Crystal Models
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
It's About Time
The Chemical Behavior of Atoms
Assist your class with this colorful activity as learners view and interpret changes in the hydrogen atom. They discuss concepts of the electromagnetic spectrum and use Bohr's model to predict wavelengths and light patterns,...
Curated OER
The Atom Board - Making Atoms
In this atom worksheet, chemists learn how to determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom using the atomic mass and atomic number. They complete a chart of the subatomic particles and use marbles to represent...
Curated OER
The Day the Atom Died (Grade K-1)
Students investigate what is wrong with the Rutherford atomic model. In this chemistry lesson, students answer questions about the atomic model after watching a video. They draw conclusions from the video and discuss how the atomic model...
PhET
Molecule Shapes
The shape of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of atoms around the central atom and lone pairs of electrons. Scholars build models of molecules using single, double, and triple bonds. They can then see real molecules bond...
Curated OER
Build Your Own Atom
Students build a model of an atom using an online program. In this chemistry lesson, students discuss the different parts of the atom. They complete an independent research about their chosen element.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Carbon Cycle
There is 30 percent more carbon in the atmosphere today than there was 150 years ago. The first instructional activity in the four-part series teaches classes about the carbon cycle. Over two to three days, classes make a model of the...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to Matter
Begin your states of matter lessons with a demonstration designed to introduce the concept that all matter has properties. Reinforce this concept through vocabulary exploration, and the creation of atom models; salt, water, and carbon...
Space Awareness
Let's Break the Particles
Build learning by breaking atoms! Young scientists study the way energy changes with a hands-on activity. As they roll steel marbles down a ramp, learners test the hypothesis that kinetic energy does not go away with friction or...
Curated OER
Atoms
Eighth graders explain what makes up matter. In this atoms lesson students define an atom and what its components are and identify properties of elements.
Curated OER
Atom and Eve
Students research and define an atom using a concept map. They design and create a model of an atom, labelling all the parts, and write a journal entry.