JJ Thomson discovered atoms are made up of things, which he called electrons. The video in the Vertasium playlist explains Thomson's model of the atom, known as the plum pudding model. It presents the new knowledge Thomson wanted to share and how he explained it to those without a firm grasp on physics.

Concepts

atoms, atomic theory, electrons

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss why scientists selected plum pudding as the comparison and then debate what might be chosen if the discovery was made today
• Create a timeline of the various atomic theories

Classroom Considerations

• Format the video so the comments do not appear when displaying in class

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Provides closed captioning for the hearing impaired
• Requires very little class time

Cons

• Includes incorrect information about the size of an electron versus a hydrogen atom

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4