Introduction
Why are atoms so important? Atoms make up everything that is around us, including us! In fact, we are made of the same atoms that were once stars. Unlock the secrets of what matter is made of. Is your cell phone, computer, or pet cat made of atoms? If so, what atoms? Find this out, and more! This webquest is designed to introduce you to the world of atoms, ions, and isotopes.
Task
For this Webquest, you, working along with several other students in your class, will learn the structure of an atom, what atoms might make, how to form ions from atoms and how to form isotopes from atoms. You will use web based games, movies, and activities along with worksheets and group presentations.
Process
Since this activity focuses on atoms, ions and isotopes, there will be three activities. You will finish each activity with your lab group.
Activity 1 (atoms): First, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBrJt-5LHgQ (under resources, called youtube video). Watch the video there and then complete the table (electrons worksheet) provided under resources below.
Next, Visit http://phet.colorado.edu/. In the search bar type in Build an atom. Then click on run in HTML5. Try all of the activities- atom, symbol and game.
Now, visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/periodic-table.html and click on launch interactive. Make sure to experiment with the filters on the left hand side. Obtain a bag of items from the teacher. The bag will contain common items you might find around your home, the school, or in a store. Some of the items are represented in picture form because they were too big or expensive to put in the bag. Analyze each item for the element or elements they contain. Remember elements are composed of atoms. Atoms represent the smallest form of the element that still has all the characteristics of the element. You can use the internet, your chemistry book, or any of your group members for this activity. Fill out the table under resources entitled element grab bag. Make sure to include as much detail as possible since each person in your group will present one of the elements to the class. For the atomic mass, number, and atomic structure, pick one of the elements found in the item (if there is more than one).
Activity 2 (ions): Visit this website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=900dXBWgx3Y to learn about ions. Then complete the worksheet provided below entitled webquest activity for ions. Finally, obtain paper, string and skittles candies from your teacher. Use these items to build your favorite ion from the worksheet. As a group, be prepared to share the ion you chose with the class.
Activity 3 (isotopes): Visit the website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EboWeWmh5Pg to watch a video about isotopes. Then visit http://teachers.oregon.k12.wi.us/sundstrom/Physical%20Science/Atoms%20P… to obtain a copy of the isotope lab. Use a piece of paper for your group to record your findings-you do not need to print off a copy. Answer all the questions thoroughly. Make sure all group members put their names on the lab findings. Also include a paragraph that summarizes your findings and how it connects with what an isotope is. Turn this in to the teacher at the end of class time. If you have time, visit the resource below entitled Heavy water ice.
Evaluation
For activity 1, You will be required to fill out the electrons worksheet and the element grab bag table as a group. The element grab bag table will be presented orally to the class. Each member of the group should present at least one of the elements found in the grab bag. Include information from the table and any additional information found. The group will be evaluated for thoroughness. Please use lots of detail about your element. This is worth 40 points.
For activity 2, the group will need to fill out the worksheet provided. This will be turned in to the teacher. The groups favorite ion will be presented to the class. Details about the ion and how the group arrived at the atomic structure should be part of the presentation. This is worth 25 points.
For activity 3, The group will record all information from the lab in a table form and in complete sentences where appropriate. All questions must be answered appropriately to demonstrate understanding of the lab. The summary paragraph will show that the group understands what isotopes are and how they relate to the lab. This is worth 35 points.
This will be a common grade. Each person in the group will receive the group grade, since this is a lab activity.
Below, under resources, there is a rubric table that will give you a break down of how your work will be graded.
Conclusion
Atoms are composed of subatomic particles called protons neutrons and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons a neutral charge and electrons a negative charge. The mass number of an element is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom. The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus. If you subtract the atomic number from the mass number you can determine the number of neutrons in the atom. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in an atom. Electron shells are shown by the letter n. The shell nearest the nucleus with the lowest energy is n=1, then n=2, and n=3 and so forth. The first electron shell around the nucleus of an atom has 2 electrons and the second shell can have up to 8 electrons. The third shell also can have up to 8 electrons. The fourth shell can have 18 electrons.
Ions are atoms that gain or lose electrons. If they gain an electron, they have a negative charge because they have more electrons than protons. If they lose an electron they have a positive charge because they now have more protons than electrons. Remember, electrons have a negative charge and protons have a positive charge.
Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of protons and electrons, but different number of neutrons. The element remains unchanged, however, the mass changes. Every element has isotopes. Unstable isotopes decay over time, turning into another isotope. Unstable isotopes are radioactive. Stable isotopes do not decay over time and are not radioactive.
Below, under resources, there are additional websites that have information about atoms, if you are interested in learning more, or reviewing what we learned today!
Concluding assessment activity:
Using an index card, pick an element from the periodic table and write the element symbol on your card. It would be best if you choose elements near the top of the table. Write down the atomic number and the mass number. Write down the number of protons, neutrons and electrons. Lastly, draw a rough model of what you think the atom looks like. Include the electron shells and nucleus. Please turn this in as you leave. If you need more time, you may bring it with to the next class period/block.