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  2. Unit One

Unit One

Investigating Atoms and the Periodic Table 

Students will be able to describe the structure of an atom including mass/size comparisons, electrical charges, the electrical charge of the nucleus, and locations of subatomic particles. Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate and interpret the relationship between the information on the Periodic Table and the atomic structure of atoms / elements for the purpose of drawing, constructing, and decoding models.

Students will calculate the number of neutrons in the nucleus by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number on the Periodic Table via APE MAN (math strategy)and will be able to identify elements based on the number of protons in an atom. Additionally, students identify that valence electrons determine an element’s chemical properties including reactivity, and students relate an element’s structure to its placement on the Periodic Table. Students will also identify the advantages and limitations of atomic models and relate the research and development of atomic models and the Periodic Table to their impact on scientific thought and society.

As we examine the Periodic Table, students will find patterns in physical and chemical properties that determine the organization and placement of elements into periods and groups/families present on the Periodic Table. They analyze and interpret information on the Periodic Table to determine why elements are arranged into groups/families. Students will learn how the arrangement of the Periodic Table allows for the prediction of undiscovered elements and their properties.

Students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Students will complete several laboratory investigations his year and will demonstrate safe practices as outlined in the Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

*All of the introduction can be found on TEKS Resource IFD  “Unit 01: Investigating Atoms and the Periodic Table”

https://www.teksresourcesystem.net/module/content/search/item/693369/viewdetail.ashx

 

Key Content Vocabulary:

  • Atom – smallest particle of an element that maintains the properties of that element
  • Atomic mass – average mass number of all atoms of an element (from particles in the nucleus)
  • Atomic number – the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom; used to determine an element's position in the Periodic Table
  • Chemical property – a characteristic of a substance that describes how it combines with other substances to form new ones
  • Electrical charge – a property of a subatomic particle; positive (protons), negative (electrons), or neutral (neutrons)
  • Electron – a negatively charged particle in the electron cloud surrounding the atomic nucleus
  • Electron cloud – the negatively charged space containing electrons that surrounds the atomic nucleus
  • Element – a pure substance that cannot be broken down chemically into simpler substances
  • Groups (families) – the vertical columns on the Periodic Table
  • Mass number – total number of protons and neutrons in a specific atom
  • Neutron – a (neutral) particle with no electrical charge within the atomic nucleus
  • Nucleus – the positively charged center of an atom containing the protons and neutrons
  • Periodic Table – a conceptual model in which the elements are organized according to their properties; often displayed as a chart
  • Periods – the horizontal rows on the Periodic Table
  • Physical property – property of matter that can be observed without changing the composition or identity of the matter
  • Proton – a positively charged particle within the atomic nucleus; used to identify an element
  • Reactivity – tendency of a substance to undergo chemical changes in a system
  • Subatomic particle – a particle smaller than an atom, such as a proton, neutron, or electron
  • Valence electron(s) – electron(s) located in outer energy level (electron shell)

 

Related Vocabulary:

  • Alkali metals
  • Atomic mass unit (amu)
  • Metalloids
  • Metals
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Noble gases
  • Nonmetals
  • Positive
  • Transition metals

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Atomic Structure Project

You have been hired by a local book publisher to create a booklet to teach others about atomic structure and its relationship to the Periodic Table.

  • Create a cover with a title, the author, and the illustrator.
  • Draw two different atoms representing elements from the Periodic Table, and label their structures.
  • Under each drawing, describe, in writing, the structure of the atoms including the masses, electrical charges, and locations of the protons, neutrons, and electrons, as well as the atomic number, mass number, and number of neutrons of each atom.
  • Include an explanation of how each atom can be identified by its representation.
  • Include the electrical charge of the nucleus of each atom.

Quick Reading for Parents

Example of 100 - cover
Example of 100 - cover
Example of 75 - cover
Example of 75 - cover
Example of 50 - cover
Example of 50 - cover

Example of a 100 for the Project

Example of a 75 for the Project

Example of a 50 for the Project

Atomic Structure Project and Rubric