ATOMS LESSON PLAN – A COMPLETE

SCIENCE LESSON USING THE 5E METHOD

OF INSTRUCTION
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At the end of this atoms lesson plan, students will be able to describe the structure of
atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations of protons, neutrons, and
electrons. Also, the students will be able to identify that protons determine an element’s
identity. Each lesson is designed using the 5E method of instruction to ensure maximum
comprehension by the students.

The following post will walk you through each of the steps and activities from the atoms
lesson plan.

ENGAGEMENT
OBJECTIVE INTRODUCTION
At the beginning of the lesson, the class does a Think-Pair-Share to discuss the
objective.

CLASS ACTIVITY
Ask the class (use the PowerPoint to show the questions):

 What is the smallest part of matter?

 What is an atom?
 What are the three main parts of an atom?
 Where are these parts located in an atom?
 What does it mean if an atomic particle has an electrical charge?

STUDENT ACTIVITY
Using the Bohr Model Template, including PowerPoint, and three different colors of
candy, have students make model of these atoms. Assign a code for protons, neutrons,
and electrons:
 Hydrogen
 Helium
 Lithium
 Beryllium
 Boron – (The Moron)

As you work through these atom models, ask students of they start to notice any
patterns. Also, introduce atomic mass. Students will have practice during the station lab,
so it is okay of they are unsure after this activity.
The teacher will help to clear any misconceptions about atoms. A major misconception
is students may think atoms are two-dimensional by using this model.

Estimated Class Time for the Engagement: 20-30 minutes

EXPLORATION
This student-centered station lab is set up so students can begin to explore acids and
bases. Four of the stations are considered input stations where students are learning
new information about natural selection, and four of the stations are output stations
where students will be demonstrating their mastery of the input stations.  Each of the
stations is differentiated to challenge students using a different learning style.  You can
read more about how I set up the station labs here.

EXPLORE IT!
Students will be working in pairs to create atom models using a Bohr template. Students
will have to follow the directions on the task cards and using the small squares that
represent the subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) create certain
atoms. Cards will also inform students about the charges of each subatomic particle.
WATCH IT!
At this station, students will be watching a  video describing atoms. Students will then
answer some questions relating to the video and record their answers on their lab
station sheet. For example, What is an atom? What is at the center of the atom? What
two subatomic particles make up the center of the atom? What kind of charge
do protons, neutrons, and electrons have?

RESEARCH IT!
The research station will allow students to interact with virtual atom creator using the
PhET website. Students will follow the directions on the task cards to create atoms
based on the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons listed. Students will have to
build and identify the atom. As students build a random atom, they will discover which
subatomic particle determines the identity of the atom.

READ IT!
This station will provide students with a one page reading about atomic structure. In the
reading, students will discover how the atom is the smallest unit of matter. They will
learn about the basic structure of the atom. Students will learn about the charges of
each of the parts, protons, neutrons, electrons. There are 4 follow-up questions that the
students will answer to show reading comprehension of the subject.
ASSESS IT!
The assess is station is where students will go to prove mastery over the concepts they
learned in the lab.  The questions are set up in a standardized format with multiple
choice answers.  Some questions will ask students: Identify the correct statement from
4 four choices that talk about atoms. What is the role of electrons in an atom? Which of
the following subatomic particles determine the identity of an atom? How many
electrons are in Lithium?

 WRITE IT!
Students who can answer open-ended questions about the lab truly understand the
concepts that are being taught.  At this station, the students will be answering three task
cards to explain the differences between protons, neutrons, and electrons. Describe the
nucleus of the atom. Which subatomic particle determines the identity of the atom?

ILLUSTRATE IT!
Your visual students will love this station. Students will recreate an Oxygen atom on
their lab sheet. Students will then have to label everything about their model.
ORGANIZE IT!
The organize it station allows your students to place cards in the correct column and
row that describes the location, charge, and size of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: 1-2, 45 minute class periods

EXPLANATION
The explanation activities will become much more engaging for the class once they
have completed the exploration station lab.  During the explanation piece, the teacher
will be clearing up any misconceptions about atoms with an interactive PowerPoint,
anchor charts, and interactive notebook activities.

The atoms lesson includes a PowerPoint with activities scattered throughout to keep the
students engaged.
The students will also be interacting with their journals using INB templates for atoms.
Each INB activity is designed to help students compartmentalize information for greater
understanding of the concept.  The atoms INB templates allow students to focus their
notes on identifying the descriptions and charges of each subatomic particle. Also, the
INB templates will help students to understand the information provided on a chemical
symbol, and how to determine the atomic mass and number of protons and electrons
from a symbol using the APE-MAN acronyms.
Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: 2-3, 45 minute class periods
ELABORATION
The elaboration section of the 5E method of instruction is intended to give students
choice on how they can prove mastery of the concept.  When students are given choice
the ‘buy-in’ is much greater than when the teacher tells them the project they will have
to create.  The elaboration project will allow students to create a presentation to teach
about atoms.
Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: 2-3, 45 minute class periods (can also be
used as an at-home project)

EVALUATION
The final piece of the 5E model is to evaluate student comprehension.  Included in
every 5E lesson is a homework assignment, assessment, and modified assessment.
Research has shown that homework needs to be meaningful and applicable to real-
world activities in order to be effective.  When possible, I like to give open-ended
assessments to truly gauge the student’s comprehension.

Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: 1, 45 minute class period