Models of the Atom
Overview
In this lesson, students will learn about the history behind the atomic model and learn how to draw a Bohr model. To draw the models, cards are provided with examples for students to draw. Students can use the PhET Simulation: Build an Atom to check their answers.
History of the Atom
What does an atom really look like? The image above may be what you think it looks like, but it is really not.
Watch the following video to learn about how the model of the atom has been developed over time:
Learning How to Build Bohr Models
In a previous lesson, you learned how to determine the number of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons) in an atom using the periodic table.
Need a review?
Check out this lesson called What is an atom made of?
Your next step is to be able to draw a Bohr Model on your own.
Watch this quick video to see some examples on how to draw these models.
Practice Building Bohr Models
Students will choose three atoms/ions to draw from the following cards:
If you are in person, you can cut up the cards and hand them directly to students.
When they've completed their models, they can use the Build an Atom PhET Simulation to check their answers or you can personally check them.
Now that you've seen some examples, it's time to try some on your own. On the following link are some choices for you: Cards for Atoms/Ions to Build. Open this document and choose three of the cards.
Once you've chosen your three cards, draw these Bohr Models on a piece of paper. When you're done, open up the Build an Atom PhET Simulation and check your answers.