Introduction to the atom: Structure
I can identify key structures and features of an atom.
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General
In this lesson, students will learn about the parts of an atom, as well as other concepts, including atomic number, isotopes, and mass number.
Standards
NGSS: MS-PS1-1
Learning objective
Students will be able to identify key structures and features of an atom.
Introduction
Ask students what would happen if they cut an apple in half? Then cut it in half again? And again and again and again? What do they think the smallest piece of the apple would like? Introduce the atom.
Students will fill out the first two columns in a KWL chart.
Instruction
Go over the three parts of an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Show students a diagram of an atom discuss where the parts are found. They will also talk about the nucleus and electron cloud.
Next, students will look at a diagram of an atom and tell how many protons, neutrons, and electrons the element has. They will also build an atom with the amount of subatomic particles listed. Go over the atomic number as well as atomic charge. Have students determine the number of protons and electrons in a Carbon atom and construct it in a model on screen.
Introduce isotypes to students. Then, they will find the mass number of two atoms.
Quiz
Students will respond to ten multiple-choice questions.
Closing
Students will recall what they learned in this lesson and fill in the last column in the KWL chart. They will also complete an exit slip.
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Gynzy is an online teaching platform for interactive whiteboards and displays in schools.
With a focus on elementary education, Gynzy’s Whiteboard, digital tools, and activities make it easy for teachers to save time building lessons, increase student engagement, and make classroom management more efficient.