Electron Energy Levels of Atoms and Ions
Initial Publication Date: September 26, 2007
Summary
In this lab, students will investigate basic electron structure by making a model of the electron structure using pennies representing electrons in different sized filter papers to represent energy levels, for an atom or ion, at various workstations. Students will place the pennies (electrons) in the appropriate energy levels, and record the number of electrons in each energy level on a data table.
CollapseLearning Goals
This lab activity will help students to understand the basics of electron structure of atoms and ions. Students will work in pairs to develop models of atoms or ions using electrons in energy levels.
Context for Use
This activity is a lab that uses no chemical equipment, only chemical symbols, an energy level diagram, periodic table, element symbol to represent the nucleus, and chips to represent electrons.
Student should already be able to distinguish the general position of protons and electrons and their charges.
Student should already be able to distinguish the general position of protons and electrons and their charges.
Description and Teaching Materials
Teaching Notes and Tips
Background of basic atomic structure should be covered prior to activity. This should include the relative position of protons and electrons, and also some discussion of neutrons. A reminder also that this activity is just a model of an atom, and is only so to help simplify the idea of atomic structure.
When students work with ions, students may ask question about how they are formed, and how it can be possible for atoms to be this way, which is a great extension into chemical reactions, in which atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to have full or empty energy levels.
When students work with ions, students may ask question about how they are formed, and how it can be possible for atoms to be this way, which is a great extension into chemical reactions, in which atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to have full or empty energy levels.
Share your modifications and improvements to this activity through the Community Contribution Tool »
Assessment
Students will hand in the activity which includes the data table.
Standards
09-II-A-01 The student will identify protons, neutrons, and electrons as the major components of the atom, their mass relative ot one another, their arrangement and their charge.