Learning Context/ Introduction
This lesson explores scientific representation of atoms and the bonds between them (whether they share electrons, gain electrons, or lose electrons when they react with other elements) resulting in the formation of molecules. This lesson works well as an introduction for middle level students or for more in depth study with high school students.
Essential Question
What significance does an atom's position on the Periodic Table make when it comes to bonding with other atoms? Why do certain elements tend to form molecules with specific elements?
Assessment
Neutral Atom Rubric (attached)
Lewis Dot Rubric (attached)
Bonding Quiz (attached)
Bonding Quiz.docLewisDotRubric.docNeutralAtomRubric.doc
Student Work
Students will draw and label at least two neutral atoms.
Students will create and label two Lewis Dot structures: one molecule with a covalent bond and one molecule with an ionic bond
See attached (high medium, and low sample of each piece of student work)
NeutralAtomhigh.notebookNeutralAtomMedium.notebookNeutralAtomLow.notebookLewisDotHigh.notebookLewisDotMed.notebookLewisDotLow.notebook
Procedure
Pre-lesson Notes:
The students will need a working knowledge of the Periodic Table to complete this activity. The NYLearns lesson "Navigating the Periodic Table" will provide ample background for students prior to embarking upon this lesson.
Day 1
The teacher will review subatomic particles (proton, neutron and electron) and charges. The teacher will review the layout of the Periodic Table (specifically families or groups and periods). The teacher will demonstrate how to use the SMART Notebook software to draw and label a Bohr Diagram of an atom with information obtained from the Periodic Table. Students will use SMART Notebook software technology to create and label at least two Bohr Diagrams of a neutral atom. Students will save their work in a Public Share file for grading (see Neutral Atom Rubric attachment).
Day 2
The teacher will review covalent and ionic bonding. The teacher will demonstrate how to use the SMART Notebook software to label a Lewis Dot drawing of a molecule with information obtained from the Periodic Table. Students will use SMART Notebook software technology to create and label two Lewis Dot drawings: one molecule with a covalent bond and one molecule with an ionic bond. Students will save their work in a Public Share file for grading (see Molecule Rubric Attachment )
Day 3
Students will use this period of time to complete work from the previous two days and the Bonding Quiz. Early finishers will use the SMART Notebook software to play the Element Game.
ElementGame.notebook
Related Resource
Prentice Hall Science Explorer Series *Chemical Building Blocks ISBN 0-13-429200-6
Instructional/Environment Modifications
computer lab with SMART Notebook software for student use
accommodations for identified students
Duration
Day 1 - 15 minute period of instruction, 30 minute work time for students
Day 2 - 15 minute period of instruction, 30 minute work time for students
Day 3 - 45 work time for students
Reflections and Feedback
Some students easily caught on to drawing with the SMART Notebook software while others struggled with finding the pens, shapes and colors they wanted as well as manipulating the mouse to get the desired effects they wanted. Peers helped one another which allowed me more time to focus on those students that required one on one attention. Students were excited about drawing and even labeling their work was fun. Many students wanted to draw more than the required atoms or molecules and became increasingly creative with their work. This lesson would work well in a high school chemistry class as well as in the middle level.
