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Created 3/29/16. Updates available online.

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Models of Hydrogen Exploration A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.



Title Models of Hydrogen Exploration
Description This is an exploration. I would like to thank Ashley Webb for her handout (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/contributions/view/3465). I just made a few changes and added images for the directions.I have added lesson plans and a follow-up activity on electron configuration.
Subject Chemistry, Physics
Level High School
Type Lab
Duration 60 minutes
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords atom, energy level, inquiry, light, model, phet, photon
Simulation(s) Models of the Hydrogen Atom

Author(s) Trish Loeblein
Contact Email patricia.loeblein@colorado.edu
School / Organization PhET
Date submitted 9/26/12
Date updated 5/19/15

Comments

This activity is very good in setting the students up to formulate questions just by reading the objectives alone. Then directing them to use their background knowledge of what an atom looks like in their mind (or lack thereof) followed by confirmation through researching the internet. I also like the way the procedure leads the student through a series of discoveries and, following the last simulation activity, are asked to synthesize what they have learned. This activity lends itself to be reported back as a "Formal Lab Report" that solidifies the important understanding of how light is produced by "excited state" electrons "falling" back to the "ground state" through a variety of pathways that correspond to the wavelength and frequency of the photon emitted. I then follow this with the famous "Flame Test" lab and since it is around "Halloween," it adds to the colorful and fantastic aire and ambience of conjuring "spirits" in the different colored flames! Thank you for sharing this Trish! I loved it! Douglas   10/28/15

Thank you for your reflection. I am glad you find my materials useful. Trish   12/13/15

Comment on this activity

How did you use this activity or change it for your class? Answer keys are often not available because the activities are inquiry based and lead to multiple answers. Professionally constructive comments welcome.

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