Unit 3: Atomic Structure

In this segment, the students learn about different models of the atom, including Dalton’s model, Thomson’s model, Rutherford’s model, and the Bohr model.

The periodic table is the focus of this segment. The students explore periodic trends as well as atomic number and average atomic mass.

In this segment, students build models of atoms as they learn about characteristics of electrons. They also explore how quantum levels affect fireworks by performing a flame test.

Students explore the relationship between the properties of an atom and its location on the periodic table as well as about effective nuclear charge and electronegativity.

In this segment, the students make predictions about electronegativity and atomic radius across periods and columns.

This segment examines ionization energy and explains the process for writing the electron configuration of any element.

The students learn to make electron configurations in this segment. Sublevels and orbitals are also discussed.

During this segment, special guest Mark Angeli explains the role of pyrotechnics in the making of fireworks.