Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter. In this unit you will learn about the structure of atoms, the elements, compounds, and mixtures that are made up from those atoms, and the major models that are used to bring the microscopic concepts to a level you can see, understand, and even manipulate.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will know what an atom is and be able describe its structure.
• Students will know the relationship between atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and mixtures.
• Students will know that an element’s identity is determined by the number of protons in its atoms and that the periodic table is organized by the chemical and physical composition of the elements made up of those atoms.
• Students will know how to read an element tile.
• Students will know that the periodic table is organized into groups and periods based on the number of valence electrons and electron shells in the atom.
• Students will know that elements can be categorized into families based on common characteristics and will be familiar with some of the more common family names.
• Students will be able to identify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for each element.
• Students will know that the mass of an atom is dependent on the number of protons and neutrons in the atom.
• Students will use the information in the Periodic Table to develop models of atoms.
• Students will use the information in the Periodic Table to develop models that demonstrate how atoms and molecules can be combined.

Students Will:

1. be able to properly label a diagram of an atom including: Nucleus, Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, and Electron Clouds.
2. know how models of atoms have changed over time.
3. know that an element is a grouping of the same types of atoms.
4. know that a molecule is two or more atoms held together by a chemical bond.
5. know that a mixture is two or more substances physically combined together.
6. know that a compound is two or more substances chemically combined together.
7. know that an element’s identity is determined by the number of protons in its atoms.
8. know how elements are organized into a periodic table.
9. know that element tiles give basic information about an element’s atom such as its names, chemical symbol, atomic number, and mas.
10. know that the periodic table is organized into groups based on the number of valence electrons and periods based on the number of electron shells in the atom.
11. be able to identify the family that elements are part of based on its position on a periodic table.
12. know how to calculate the number of neutrons in an atom.
13. know how to calculate the number of protons in an atom.
14. know how to calculate the number of electrons in an atom.
15. know that the mass of an atom is dependent on the number of protons and neutrons in the atom.
16. know will how to make a Bohr’s Model of an atom.
17. know how to make a Lewis Dot Diagram of individual atoms.
18. know how to make a Lewis Dot Diagram of simple covalent bonds.

Suggested Materials:

• Computer and Projector for Videos/Presentations
• Student Access to Internet
• Project Supplies:
  • Poster Paper
  • Coloring Supplies (Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers)
• Lab Supplies:
  • Distilled Water (600 ml per lab group)
  • Epsom Salt (1 tablespoon per lab group)
  • Electrolysis Apparatus (1 per lab group)
    • Or 1 Glass Beaker, 2 Metal Spoons, and Cardboard (per lab group)
  • Alligator Clips with leads (2 per la

Pacing: 10 Days