Atomic Structure & Elements

Today's Learning Objectives:

1. Draw models that show atoms or ions.
2. Use information about the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons to

1. Identify an element and its position on the periodic table
2. Draw models of atoms
3. Determine if the model is for an atom or an ion.

3. Predict how changing the number protons, neutrons, or electrons will change the element, the charge, and the mass of an atom or ion.

Upcoming Schedule:

• Today (11/8) Build atoms, research element and begin project
• Monday (11/12) Continue discussing atomic structure
• Bring in completed research page
• Wednesday (11/14) Concept mapping of key vocabulary terms
• Friday (11/16) Inquiry Field Day
• Tuesday (11/20) Projects (model + sign) due / Assessment regarding atomic structure

Today's Activities
In the Satellite Lab, you will begin by completing a simulation. The directions are listed below the simulation. After completing the simulation, please see me for the next step. You are in charge of bring an element into this classroom. You will bring in both a sign to help create our mini-periodic table and a model to show the structure of an atom.

Click to Run

Activity Directions


Periodic Table Resources
Several locations that have interactive periodic tables.

• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Web Elements
• Chemical Digital Library

Want to see which elements pop up in comic books? Comic Book Periodic Table
Short videos on the elements Periodic Table of Videos

Building an Atomic Model

• Stuck on how to get started building a model of your atom? Check out this page.