Build an Atom: Introduction A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.



Title Build an Atom: Introduction
Description This activity was updated in 2020 to include a Remote Lab and uses for the game. The pre-and post- test provided were used as part of a research project and are not essential. On the slides, there is an activity using toothpicks and mallows that could be used as a hook. This lesson is for students who may not have had much introduction to atomic particles, but know that matter is made of atoms, molecules and ions. Learning Objectives-Students will be able to: 1.Make atom models that show stable atoms or ions. 2.Use information about the number protons, neutrons, and electrons to •Identify an element and its position on the periodic table •Draw models of atoms •Determine if the model is for a neutral atom or an ion 3.Predict how addition or subtraction of a proton, neutron, or electron will change the element, the charge, and the mass of their atom or ion. 4.Define proton, neutron, electron, atom, and ion.
Subject Chemistry, Physics
Level High School, Middle School
Type Demonstration, Lab, Remote Learning
Duration 90 minutes
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords atomic structure, electron, element, mass, neutron, notation, proton
Simulation(s) Build an Atom

Author(s) Trish Loeblein, Kathy Perkins
Contact Email patricia.loeblein@colorado.edu
School / Organization PhET
Date submitted 12/31/10
Date updated 4/6/20