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Modeling Classic Atomic Theory I: Where do Element Masses Come From?

Paul Price | Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:42

What if your students derived the periodic table’s masses before they ever learned about moles? This piece reframes “classic” atomic theory as a data-driven approach to building O:C ratios, uncovering the law of definite proportions, and explaining why oxygen’s relative mass is 16 when carbon's is 12. The result is a historically grounded, quantitative model of Dalton’s ideas that makes atomic theory feel discovered—not delivered.

Egg-lectrons and McLewis Structures

Dean Campbell | Fri, 02/28/2025 - 22:13

Egg cartons and beverage holders can be used as models of atoms, with their dimples representing orbitals. Each dimple can hold up to two objects such as milk jug caps, plastic eggs, and cup pieces to represent electrons in the orbitals. Partially overlapping the trays by stacking the dimples represents chemical bonding and produces molecular models resembling Lewis structures. The models can be easily made from materials that can be readily found grocery stores and fast-food restaurants.

APTeach - Modeling Net Ionic Equations and Chemical Reactions

Shifra Yonis | Tue, 12/10/2024 - 08:19

The November 2024 APTeach presentation outlined instructional strategies to model net ionic equations and chemical reactions using particulate models, chemical symbols, and observations to support students’ understanding of how chemicals react and interact at the particle level. A clip of the presentation and the presentation slidedeck are included here.

Fluorescence Rocks! Exploring Glowing Sodalite

Dean Campbell | Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:41

Syenite rocks containing sodalite that fluoresce yellow have been found on Lake Superior beaches in recent years and are of interest to collectors. The fluorescence of this mineral, which can be found in other localities, can be shown in classrooms and studied spectroscopically. Its structure can also be modeled with LEGO bricks, enabling further classroom connections.

Unit Cells and Layer Sequences using Dimpled Packaging

Dean Campbell | Sun, 10/01/2023 - 09:07

Regularly dimpled trays such as those used in food packaging can be used to represent layers of atoms in solid structures. For example, the square array of dimples in transparent plastic mini quiche trays can be used to depict layers within cubic or tetragonal unit cells. Multiple solid structures and ways to represent those structures are described.