ALEX Learning Activity Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] PS8 (8) 1 :

1 ) Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models (e.g., molecular-level models, including drawings; computer representations) that illustrate the structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules.

In this activity, students work in groups to draw molecules showing the individual atoms in a chemical formula.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] PS8 (8) 1 :

1 ) Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models (e.g., molecular-level models, including drawings; computer representations) that illustrate the structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules.

This activity can be used as an introduction to atomic structure. Students will be given several sealed envelopes and asked to use their senses to identify the objects inside. Students aren't allowed to open the envelopes, but they may use any of their senses to figure out what is inside. The teacher can compare this activity with the discovery of the atom and its structure.

This activity is a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] PS8 (8) 1 :

1 ) Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models (e.g., molecular-level models, including drawings; computer representations) that illustrate the structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules.

This activity should be used as an Engage activity.  The students will recall a jigsaw puzzle has pieces that connect in a certain way.  Each piece of the puzzle is unique. The pieces fit together by sharing tabs with other pieces.  Once the puzzle has been completed, it looks very different from all the pieces that were used to create it.  Like the pieces of a puzzle, atoms can join together and form a compound by sharing electrons. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] PS8 (8) 1 :

1 ) Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models (e.g., molecular-level models, including drawings; computer representations) that illustrate the structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules.

During this before activity, the students' prior knowledge will be assessed and activated by completing an ABC brainstorm of matter using the Alphabet Organizer tool. The digital tool allows the student to create an alphabet chart or book using words and pictures. The students can have voice and choice by choosing to create an alphabet chart with five words per letter or with a word, note, and picture for each letter. When the project is complete, the students can save their work, print their work, or share their work through an e-mail link. This web tool requires a computer with internet access and Adobe Flash Player.  

This activity was created as a result of the GAP Resource Summit.