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Atomic Structure: Properties of Atoms
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Details

Type of Product:Science Object
Average Rating:
 based on 2 reviews
Publication Title:Atomic Structure SciPack
Publication Date:6/15/2010
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School


Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of three Science Objects in the Atomic Structure SciPack. It explores the structure-related properties that make one type of atom different from another, and looks more closely at the role of the neutron. The number of protons in the nucleus determines what an atom's electron configuration can be and so defines the element and its properties. An atom's electron configuration, particularly the outermost electrons, determines how the atom can interact with other atoms. Although neutrons have little effect on how an atom interacts with others, they do affect the mass and stability of the nucleus. The nucleus of radioactive isotopes is unstable and spontaneously decays, emitting particles and/or electromagnetic radiation. It cannot be predicted exactly when, if ever, an unstable nucleus will decay, but a large group of identical nuclei decay at a predictable rate. This predictability of decay rate allows radioactivity to be used for estimating the age of materials that contain radioactive substances.


Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate

Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain how the number of protons in the nucleus determines an atom's electron configuration and defines it as a particular element.
  • Predict how atoms will interact (with other atoms) based on their electron configuration, particularly their outermost electrons.
  • Explain how neutrons affect the mass and stability of the nucleus and atoms’ interactions with each other.
  • Explain processes of radioactive decay, including the role of nuclear stability and the emitted particles and radiation.
  • Compare the decay of an individual nucleus with the rate of decay of a large group of identical nuclei.
  • Explain the process of estimating the age of substances by using the decay rate of radioactive isotopes.

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Radioactivity
Chemical properties
Atomic mass
Atomic theory
Atoms
Electron configuration
Elements
Isotopes
Subatomic particles
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator
Educational Issues:Inquiry learning, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge

Technical

Resource Format:application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, image/gif, image/jpeg, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player


National Standards Correlation

This resource has 10 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 10 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Physical Science
    • Structure and properties of matter
      • Atoms interact with one another by transferring or sharing electrons that are furthest from the nucleus. (9-12)
      • Outer shell electrons govern the chemical properties of the element. (9-12)
      • An element is composed of a single type of atom. (9-12)
    • Structure of atoms
      • Matter is made of minute particles called atoms, and atoms are composed of even smaller components. (9-12)
      • The electric force between the nucleus and electrons holds the atom together. (9-12)
      • When an element has atoms that differ in the number of neutrons, these atoms are called different isotopes of the element. (9-12)
      • Nuclear reactions convert a fraction of the mass of interacting particles into energy, and they can release much greater amounts of energy than atomic interactions. (9-12)
      • Radioactive isotopes are unstable and undergo spontaneous nuclear reactions, emitting particles and/or wavelike radiation. (9-12)
  • Process Standards for Professional Development
    • Research-Based
      • Address teachers' needs as learners and build on their current knowledge of science content, teaching, and learning. (NSES)
    • Design
      • Introduce teachers to scientific literature, media, and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge. (NSES)


Customer Reviews
Good But Incomplete
  Reviewed by: Therese H (Salisbury, MD) on November 19, 2010
  I like the segments dealing with radioactivity and Lewis structures, but I think that the first 3 parts or so are incomplete, and potentially could pass on scientific misconceptions. There are many more subatomic particles like quarks, neutrinos, positrons, beta decay, alpha rays etc. that should be referenced. The interactive which has you create a neutral atom is too basic, so overall, I would rate this resource as good or 3 star.

Excellent tool for teachers
  Reviewed by: Linda (Pharr, TX) on July 7, 2010
  As it can be apply to elementary, middle school and high school levels I think it is a great tool for teachers to introduce students to the knowledge of the atomic structure and its properties.

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