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Created 3/29/16. Updates available online.

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Build an Atom A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.



Title Build an Atom
Description Learning Objectives for this activity include: 1. Draw models that show atoms or ions. 2. Use information about the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons to • Identify an element and its position on the periodic table • Draw models of atoms • Determine if the model is for a atom or an ion. 3. Predict how changing the number protons, neutrons, or electrons will change the element, the charge, and the mass of an atom or ion.
Subject Chemistry
Level Middle School
Type Guided Activity, Homework, Lab
Duration 60 minutes
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords charge, electrons, ion, mass, neutrons, protons
Simulation(s) Build an Atom (HTML5), Build an Atom

Author(s) Emily Moore, Ariel Paul, Trish Loeblein, Kathy Perkins
Contact Email emily.moore@colorado.edu
School / Organization PhET
Date submitted 2/7/14
Date updated 7/1/15

Comments

Can you provide an answer key? Monzerrad   6/22/15

Could you please provide the answer key. Thanks Traci   8/14/15

Authors do not post answers on this website. If you need help with the answers, email the main author, Emily Moore. Thanks Trish   8/16/15

Couldn't you just work it yourselves to get the answers? That would also help you figure out the misconceptions your students might have. Brad   10/1/15

Brad, Thanks for your ideas. Trish   10/4/15

Brad, good advice! You are spot on about the misconceptions that will happen. jeff   10/20/15

It appears the simulation only allows atoms up to neon to be built. Do I have that correct, or did I miss something. This is a pretty cool simulation. I would be cool if more was available. Jeffrey   3/23/16

Jeffrey, You are correct that the simulation allows atoms up to neon to be built. While having the ability to build atoms beyond neon would be cool, students can reach the sims learning goals by looking at representative atoms from the first 10 elements. Thanks for your feedback. Amy   3/28/16

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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