atomic structure

Analogy Experiment—Projectile Pennies with Rutherford

Ben Meacham | Mon, 11/08/2021 - 15:48

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Atomic theory is a common topic throughout any introductory chemistry course. It is likely that Rutherford’s gold foil experiment gets at least some attention in your course. This simple activity gives students an opportunity to replicate Rutherford’s experiment through an analogy experiment that may allow for easier conceptualization of the experiment itself and provide additional support for model development.

Bringing the Gold Foil Experiment to Life!

Thomas Cox | Fri, 10/08/2021 - 23:30

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Whether in the classroom or in the online format, students typically struggle to envision the infamous Rutherford (aka Geiger-Marsden) gold foil experiment. A short video was created that describes the experimental design and set up. Enjoy...

The Magical Periodic Table and The Element Girls Series

Rajasree Swaminathan | Tue, 04/13/2021 - 08:43

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Rajasree Swaminathan has developed a series of books that combines story-telling and visual representation of the elements as human characters. Along with hands-on activities, these books have created enthusiasm in her chemistry classes.

The Mole - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab Activity

Josh Kenney | Wed, 10/14/2020 - 09:08

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In this activity, students learn about the mole. In section 1, students learn what a mole looks like for different substances. In section 2, students learn how the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus determines the molar mass of an element by comparing individual isotopes in a PhET simulation..

An Upcycled Teaching Aid for Ionic Formulas

Jerry Godbout | Sun, 09/13/2020 - 19:15

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Determining the empirical formulas of ionic compounds based on charge balance is often a challenge for beginning chemistry students. Many visual aides have been developed for this purpose, from repurposing commercial interlocking bricks to custom 3-D printed bricks. This article describes yet another option– upcycled can carriers.

Adapting Card Sorts for Digital Instruction

Samantha Ramaswamy | Mon, 08/17/2020 - 16:15

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Card sorts can be used to quickly assess student understanding. The author has modified two card sorts on photoelectron spectroscopy and intermoleculer forces for use either remotely or in a paperless classroom.

AP Chemistry Atomic Structure Ideas

Kristen Drury | Tue, 10/08/2019 - 12:24

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Kristen Drury shares how she covers the new AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description Learning Objectives associated with atomic structure.

Chemistry Magnets - Making Chemistry Visible

Doug Ragan | Fri, 08/16/2019 - 22:16

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Doug Ragan been using magnets of elements and subatomic particles for some time to help his students visualize what is happening at the particle level of chemistry. Download the files attached to the post and print out your own set of elements and particles!