Developing a model for atoms
I can describe the structure of atoms, the sub-atomic particles they contain, and developments leading to this model.
Developing a model for atoms
I can describe the structure of atoms, the sub-atomic particles they contain, and developments leading to this model.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The atomic model has changed over time.
- Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford (Geiger and Marsden), Bohr and Chadwick have all suggested atomic models.
- The plum pudding model of the atom and the nuclear model are two important models in the history of the atom's discovery
- New evidence from the scattering experiment led to a change in the atomic model.
Keywords
Plum pudding model - Model of the atom showing that negative electrons are embedded in a ball of positive charge.
Rutherford's experiment - A stream of positive alpha particles fired through a thin piece of gold foil. This lead to an update of the atomic model, from the plum pudding model to nuclear model.
Nuclear model - Model of the atom with a small positive charge in the centre surrounded by a cloud of orbiting electrons. The atom is mostly empty space.
Common misconception
Confusion between the models and the order in which they were conceived. Also, pupils often mix up which subatomic particles are present in each model.
Practise is required listing the key features of each model and the subatomic particles present. A timeline with the key features present helps pupils to understand the process of discovery and how long this can take.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Developing a model for atoms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Developing a model for atoms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Atomic structure and the periodic table unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Electrons orbit in fixed paths.
Atom is a ball of positive charge with embedded electrons.
Dense nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons.
Atoms are indivisible.