Reactions to Atomic Structure

I have been using this lesson for several years in my classroom. I agree, that building the model provides the hands-on opportunity students need to deepen their understanding of atoms. I al... See More

I have been using this lesson for several years in my classroom. I agree, that building the model provides the hands-on opportunity students need to deepen their understanding of atoms. I also have them present their model to the class. I really like the rubric, it is very structured and detailed.

I agree students need to model

I also came to the conclusion that students needed to model the atom to remember the structure and I do a similar activity with my classes. In addition to creating the atom and presenting, s... See More

I also came to the conclusion that students needed to model the atom to remember the structure and I do a similar activity with my classes. In addition to creating the atom and presenting, students make a card to hang below the atom with its information (name, symbol, number of protons, neutrons, and electrons). They also make a card for our class periodic table with additional information. By allowing students to determine how to create their atom they gain ownership of their learning.