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ATOMIC THEORY

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INTRODUCTION **

The discovery of the atom did not happen all at once. As with most major scientific discoveries, there was a series of events that built one upon the other, to bring us to where we are today. Since the time of Democritis--who was the first person to consider the existence of the atom in 400 B.C.--scientists have proposed different models of the atom as they understood it. They have built on theories and models already developed to create their own theories and models. Over the course of many centuries, atomic theory has changed to fit the evidence revealed by scientific experimentation. 

 

TASK**

Each group will create a presentation on one scientist and theory, as well as a model of the atom they have researched using whatever materials or medium they wish. 

 

PROCESS **

1. The class will be divided into groups of four. While every group must become familiar with the atomic theory timeline, each group will be assigned to research one scientist and theory. While the final product must include input from all group members, each person will have a specific role;

   a) Team Leader: This person is responsible for keeping the group focused and working on the project.

   b) Record Keeper: This person is responsible for keeping accurate records of the group’s research activities, as well as the resources used. 

   c) Team Writer: This person is responsible for creating the presentation (note: all group members must contribute!).

   d) Team Designer: This person is responsible for designing the model and selecting materials to use in its creation.

 

2. You may use the resources listed below (as well as your textbook, other science books, articles, and websites) to locate information on one of the following:

    a) John Dalton

    b) J. J. Thomson

    d) Ernest Rutherford

    d) Niels Bohr

    e) Modern Atomic Theory

 

Research topics of interest include:

    a. biographical information

   b. structure and components of the atom

   c. experimental evidence for the theory
   d. types of laboratory equipment used for research typical of this period of time

   e. relationship to current evidence regarding the atom
 

PRODUCT**

Each group is responsible for a 8-10 minute oral presentation, as well as a model of the atom (this may be a three-dimensional construction, a series of computer-generated slides, or a poster board). Each group will provide the teacher with hard-copy, e.g. a printout of the PowerPoint presentation; a brief written report (be sure to include a list of resources used to complete your project--web sites, books, etc.). A brief Q&A session will follow each presentation.

    Presentations will begin on _____________

 

EVALUATION**

Your presentation will be evaluated using a project rubric.

 

CONCLUSION**

When all presentations have been concluded, we will discuss what we have learned about Atomic Theory, and consider the ways in which it impacts our lives today, for better or for worse.

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RESOURCES

 

GENERAL SITES**

Atomic Structure Timeline: http://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/HS/Staff/Buescher/atomtime.asp

Evolution of the Atomic Concept and the Beginnings of Modern Chemistry: http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/classes/252/atoms.html

Build an Atom: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/atom: Brief history of the atom, as well as an interactive experiment where you can build an atom (from PBS)

 

JOHN DALTON**

Dalton’s Atomic Theory: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/atoms/dalton.shtml

http://www.chemheritage.org/classroom/chemach/periodic/dalton.html

 

J. J. THOMSON**

 

http://nobelprize.org/physics/laureates/1906/thomson-bio.html

J. J. Thomson’s Plum Pudding Model: http://library.thinkquest.org/28582/history/plum.htm

The History of the Electron: http://www.aip.org/history/electron/

 

ERNEST RUTHERFORD** 

http://nobelprize.org/chemistry/laureates/1908/rutherford-bio.html

Ernest Rutherford Website: http://www.rutherford.org.nz/

Biographical information includes atom model: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/people/modern_era/rutherford.html&edu=high

Rutherford and Bohr describe atomic structure, 1913 (from PBS): http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp13at.html

 

 NIELS BOHR**

http://nobelprize.org/physics/laureates/1922/bohr-bio.html

http://www2.lucidcafe.com/lucidcafe/library/95oct/nbohr.html

Rutherford and Bohr describe atomic structure, 1913 (from PBS): http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp13at.html

Bohr’s Theory of the Hydrogen Atom: http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph11e/bohrh.htm

  

MODERN ATOMIC THEORY **

  http://www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/modern-atomic-theory/modern-atomic-theory.html

http://www.bcpl.net/~kdrews/mtas/modern.html

http://wine1.sb.fsu.edu/chm1045/notes/Atoms/AtomStr2/Atoms03

Hydrogen-like Orbitals: http://www.uky.edu/~holler/html/orbitals_2.html

  Atomic Orbitals: http://dauger.com/orbitals/index.html

 

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Last modified on 11.29.2006