Learners see how electrons are transferred in the bonding of NaCl. They then create models of NaCl using styrofoam balls and toothpicks to assist them in explaining the formation of ions and ionic bonding. 

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....

Lewis dot diagrams, Lewis dot structures, and electron dot diagrams are all the same thing. Young scientists learn how to draw Lewis dot diagrams and come to understand how dots and dashes represent valence electrons and ionic or...

High schoolers are able to discuss the difference between a proton, a neutron and an electron. They also can explain the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond. Students know the main structure of atoms and molecules. Student...

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...

In this chemistry worksheet, students identify and name the number of neutrons, electrons, and protons for each. Then they illustrate how the electrons are arranged in a cloud. Students also find the relative number of atoms in the two...

Nothing says organization quite like a table. The third lesson in a six-part Mixtures and Solutions unit teaches young scientists about elements and the periodic table. They learn how the periodic table is organized and about the...

Eighth graders discuss and write about what led up to the discovery of the atom. Students label proton, nucleus, electron, and neutron in their notes. Students take notes on electron shells and how different atoms have different...

Students investigate static and current electricity. In this electricity lesson plan, students observe 4 demonstrations and conduct 3 activities to explore the repulsion of electrons and the attraction of protons and electrons. They...

Using the periodic table of elements, young chemists fill in a chart of isotopes to show the atomic number, mass, charge, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons. The chart is followed by 11 questions that...

"Up and Atom" is a mini-unit introducing middle-schoolers to the wonders of elements. Participants draw atom models, examine the periodic table, compare samples of metals to nonmetals, identify unknown elements, and more! The beginning...

An engaging activity enlightens young chemists in this lesson on atomic structure. They play musical chairs through a series of concentric circles that represent electon orbitals. A laundry basket in the middle holds the protons and...

Fifth graders explore static electricity. They listen to and discuss the book, 'All About Electricity,' participate in two experiments, and design and present a static electricity demonstration.

Thanks to this game, teaching isotopes will never be the same. Physical science scholars work their way toward understanding isotopes in an entertaining game. Pupils play rummy in groups while practicing good sportsmanship and creating...

Learners roll dice in order to simulate the probability of locating an electron in a certain region around the nucleus.

Young scholars 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.

Students explore webpages to research the nature of atoms, including electrons, protons, and neutrons. This lesson is the first of a four-part series on static electricity. They see that static electricity involves + and - charges.

Ninth graders investigate ionic bonding through energy level diagrams. In this ion bonding lesson plan, 9th graders observe demonstrations to show energy level diagrams using magnets to represent the subatomic particles. Students fill...

The difference between atomic mass and atomic number can be confusing for some young chemists. Help your class better understand the concepts by allowing them to sketch an atom on paper and then discuss their experience. Upon completion...

Practice electric vocabulary using multiple methods. Learners begin by watching a video that explains vocabulary related to electric currents. They match vocabulary cards to practice and then create an electric circuit. Using the...

Students research the element of carbon, its composition, and the importance of carbon to life on earth. Then they design model mobiles of carbon atoms to demonstrate their understanding of the configuration of protons, neutrons, and...

In this atom worksheet, students complete a 3 D graphic organizer for the structure of the atom. They define atomic structure, electron cloud, proton and neutron. They cut out the terms to make flaps with definitions.

Fourth graders study the charges on ions and familiarize themselves with a quick way to remember charges based on location of elements on the periodic table. They complete a worksheet and share their answers with the class.

Students 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.