From Concrete to Abstract: Using Models

This article outlines how to use atomic model kits to help students develop a deeper understanding on atoms, molecules and elements in relation to matter. There is a link included to the le... See More

This article outlines how to use atomic model kits to help students develop a deeper understanding on atoms, molecules and elements in relation to matter. There is a link included to the lesson plan. The link leads to the general website for 8th grade science with the Georgia Science Education Partnership. However, there appears to be enough information presented in the article to help run a successful lesson using atomic model kits to help deepen student understanding on elements, compounds, and molecules in relation to matter. I especially like the hands-on minds-on approach of this lesson.

Building Models and Building Understanding

The basis of the activity described is designed to help students develop their ability to relate observable properties of a substance to their underlying structure, in this case atoms and bo... See More

The basis of the activity described is designed to help students develop their ability to relate observable properties of a substance to their underlying structure, in this case atoms and bonds. Although the activity is not presented in full it still can be found at the website provided. Students working with a partner using simple atomic model kit materials to determine if a substance is pure or a mixture. These models are not commonly used in the middle school grades but the activity would lead to the goals stated in the article.