Atom’s the Name

This module explores the atom and the periodic table. Students will learn the structure of the atom, how to identify the number of protons, neutrons, electrons, and valence electrons. Students are challenged to create their own model of an atom and explore the periodic table.

After this module you will be able to:

Describe the structure of atoms.
Identify the number of protons, neutrons, electrons, and valence electrons in an atom.
Create a model of an atom.
Calculate the charge of an atom.
Interpret the information on the periodic table.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills/Educational Standards

CONTENT TEKS

8.5(A) Describe the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud.
8.5(B) Identify that protons determine an element’s identity and valence electrons determine its chemical properties, including reactivity.

PROCESS TEKS

3 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to:
- 3(B) Use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as an atom, a molecule, space, or a geologic feature.
- 3(C) Identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials.

NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS

MS-PS1-1 Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.

Materials

Your Physical Science Exploration Activity for Wednesday’s lesson can be built using common household materials including, but not limited to, the list presented below. This list is intended to provide ideas for materials that can be used but are not required. Any materials from your household can be used with adult approval.

Gum Drops
Marshmallows
Legos
Paper
Sticky notes
Ping Pong balls
Pompoms
Cotton balls
Toothpicks
Skewers
Spaghetti
Pipe cleaners
Pens
Pencils
Food coloring
Color markers
Color pencils
Paint
Glitter

Safety

Ask for adult supervision when working with sharp objects such as scissors.
Ask for adult supervision when working with a hot glue gun.
Avoid putting small objects or household items in your mouth.
If creating an edible model, check with an adult before eating.
After completing the activity, put away all materials, wash hands thoroughly, and wipe down the work area.

Activity

Watch the activity video below.

Steps

Pick an element from the first three rows of the periodic table using this link: https://ptable.com/#Properties
Determine the number of protons, neutrons, electrons, and valence electrons.
Using the materials suggested in the materials list or any other materials you might have on hand, make a model of your element.
Label the parts of the model.
Write or record a description of your model, where your element is on the periodic table, and share new information you learned.

Dig Deeper

Read This

Recommended: Middle and High School
Did you know that before the scanning tunneling microscope was developed, we were unable to see an atom? Check out this article to learn more about the history of atomic models and how we got to the modern atomic structure.

Recommended: Middle School
Did you know that atoms are the smallest possible piece of a chemical element? What does this really mean? Check out this article for more information.

Recommended: Middle and High School
Did you know that atom means undivided in Greek? Check out these fun facts about atoms.

Try This

Recommended: Middle and High School
Did you know that you can create different atoms by using an online simulator? Add protons, neutrons, and electrons and see what element you can create. Watch what happens to the identity of the atom as you change the number of protons.

Watch This

Recommended: High School
Do you know how many atoms are in a single strand of hair? What an atom is made of? What goes on in an atom? Find out this and more.

Recommended: Middle and High School
Did you know that an atom’s structure determines the reactivity of the element? Learn more about how the electron configurations of an atom affect its ability to combine with other atoms and why some elements are not reactive and some are.

Show What You Know

Meet Our Expert

How does atomic structure make photoluminescence, light emission from any form of matter, possible? Listen to our expert, Tom Teets, Ph.D., Associate Professor from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston, discuss photoluminescence and why he decided to become a researcher.

Meet The Teachers

Ramona Mateer
Program Director, teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive
Master Teacher, teachHOUSTON, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston
Ramona Mateer, a University of Houston alumna, earned an M.Ed. in Science Curriculum and Technology (University of Texas). She is a former junior high school science teacher and instructional coach. In her free time, she cycles, reads, and enjoys Nintendo Switch online gaming.

Meghan DiBacco
Physics Teacher, Cinco Ranch High School, Katy ISD.
University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, teachHOUSTON Alumna, Geophysics Major
Ms. DiBacco is a proud two-time graduate of the University of Houston. She obtained her bachelor's degree in geophysics, with minors in mathematics and geology, and is an alumna of the teachHOUSTON Program. She is a physics teacher at Cinco Ranch High School and completed her Master of Science in geophysics in December. Ms. DiBacco has participated in numerous UH STEM camps, and she is excited to work with students and teachHOUSTON undergraduates as a camp leader. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and learning how to build robots.

Stephen Medel
Physics Major, Mathematics Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Medel is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics. He will be student teaching this fall at Dobie High School. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his adorable dog, Murphy, and playing some tabletop and board games.

Yaneli Ruiz-Gonzalez
Biochemistry Major, Chemistry Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ms. Ruiz-Gonzalez is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in biochemistry and minoring in chemistry. A senior in the teachHOUSTON program, she is passionate about sharing her love of science with students while preparing them for their future endeavors and enjoys collaborating with other STEM professionals. In her free time, she likes to do anything that has to do with arts and crafts or playing video games.

Michael Broderick
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Broderick is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in mathematics. He is a senior in the teachHOUSTON program. In his free time, he enjoys playing strategic video games and tabletop board games.

Jaqueline Barron
Biology Major, Anthropology Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ms. Barron is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in biology and minoring in anthropology. She is in her first semester in the teachHOUSTON program. In her free time, she likes to draw, pick up new hobbies, hike, and travel.

Brian Gonzales
Biology Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive Video Editor
Mr. Gonzales is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston. He will be student teaching in the fall and would like to teach either biology or anatomy and physiology once he receives his teaching certification. In his free time, he enjoys listening to artists like twenty one pilots or Billie Eilish, building Lego Star Wars sets, and practicing photography at the park.

teachHOUSTON

Summer Activities