This topic includes the definition of the atom, structure of the atom and subatomic particles along with details related to the atom, subatomic particles, quantum numbers, electron configurations and other atomic theory ideas.
After spending the start of the year using a modified version of the Modeling Instruction curriculum (density and physical properties, followed by gas laws, followed by energy and phase changes), we don’t actually start talking about what’s inside atoms until December.
If your not familiar with the video series "The Mystery of Matter, Search for the Elements" then I highly recommend their use as part of your curriculum. The Mystery of Matter: Search for the Elements is a PBS series about the amazing human story behind the Periodic Table.
After receiving positive feedback from Peter Mahaffy, the IUPAC project co-chair of Isotopes Matter, I decided to add an additional component to the original isotope assignment I posted.
The first unit of chemistry, no matter your content sequence, is an opportunity to use formative assessments to identify student prior knowledge. In addition, this is also a time for your students to get an idea of your instructional approach and how they will be participating in class.
When I was a novice modeler I was constantly searching for quality online video resources to share with my students. I quickly discovered that YouTube was rife with explanatory science videos, but I had a hard time finding ones that fit with my classroom culture.
