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The Atom project

This topic will not be taught to you directly, rather you will be expected learn it independently by collaborating with classmates to produce a rich and interactive learning resource on a particular element. You are expected to work on this outside of class with your group members but I will provide you with seven (7) class periods to collaborate with your group members and ask me any questions you might have. The other class period will be filled with direct instruction about the topic and can be used as a resource for your project.

An introduction to the project can be found here: 
The Atom Project - SL

Some ideas to help spark the creative process can be found here: 
Atom Project Ideas

Planning documents to help make sure you meet the objectives for the topic, and to help you plan your time can be found here: 
Atom Project Planner
Atom Project Learning Objectives

On The Web:

Youtube videos explaining every part of the IB Atomic Structure topic step-by-step
Thorough and concise notes on most of the topic
Khan Academy
Professionally produced video lessons on Atomic Structure

TOPIC 2.1 THE NUCLEAR ATOM

  • Negatively charged electrons occupy the space outside the nucleus.
  • The mass spectrometer is used to determine the relative atomic mass of an element from its isotopic composition.
  • Atoms contain a positively charged dense nucleus composed of protons and neutrons (nucleons).

COURSE MATERIALS

Class presentation to take notes and put into notebook: 
Topic 2.1 The Nuclear Atom

Homework Assignments: 
Atomic Structure 
Atomic Number and Mass Number 
Isotopes 
Calculating Relative Atomic Mass 
Study Guide Homework

Close Reading Article: 
The trouble with the aufbau principle

Atomic Numbers, Mass Numbers, and isotopes Tutorials

Atomic weights, molecular weights and formula weight tutorial

Topic 2.2 electron configuration

  • Emission spectra are produced when photons are emitted from atoms as excited electrons return to a lower energy level.
  • The line emission spectrum of hydrogen provides evidence for the existence of electrons in discrete energy levels, which converge at higher energies.
  • The main energy level or shell is given an integer number, n, and can hold a maximum number of electrons, 2n2.
  • A more detailed model of the atom describes the division of the main energy level into s, p, d and f sub-levels of successively higher energies.
  • Sub-levels contain a fixed number of orbitals, regions of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
  • Each orbital has a defined energy state for a given electronic configuration and chemical environment and can hold two electrons of opposite spin. 

Course materials

Class presentation to take notes and put into notebook: 
Topic 2.2 Electron Configuration


Homework Assignments: 
Energy of Waves 
Electron Configuration

Electron configuration tutorial

Study guides for unit exam

Application and Skills checklist (IB specific): Atomic Structure Study Guide
Atomic Structure Practice Problems: Atomic Structure Practice Problems