Atomic Structure

# Evolving Models of the Invisible

Get up close to the unseen building blocks of existence and grant your students the ability to manipulate atoms in their hands.

## Key Learning Outcomes:

1. Name and correctly sequence each representation of the atom from solid sphere to the current quantum model

2. Interpret the models to explain how each one is a refinement of what came before

3. Indicate the relative charges and locations of subatomic particles

## How to Use This Playlist:

This playlist is designed to help your students visualize models of atomic structure, as a prime example of how scientific theories advance based on new discoveries and observations.

Here are some suggestions on how to use the resources:

***3D Models*** – Students can manipulate the models and observe that the atom was originally thought to be an indivisible sphere – the fundamental unit of matter. After the discovery of the first subatomic particle, the electron, J. J. Thomson devised the ‘plum pudding’ model.

- [Solid Sphere Atom](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-solid-sphere-atom)
- [Plum Pudding Atom](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-plum-pudding-atom)

***3D Models*** – These models show the evolution of understanding of atomic structure. The atom was once thought to be mostly empty space with a concentrated area of positive charge at the center: the nucleus. Students should recognize that the Bohr planetary model improved on the nuclear model by accounting for electrons with fixed energies at specific distances from the nucleus. The quantum model then followed the subsequent discovery that electrons exhibit wave-like behavior; they do not orbit like particles, but occupy regions called electron ‘clouds’.

- [Nuclear Model Atom](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-atom-nuclear-model)
- [Planetary Model Atom](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-planetary-model-atom)
- [Quantum Model](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-quantum-model-atom)

***3D Model*** – Students should be able to identify the subatomic particles and their charges. Ask your students to consider; why does a nucleus not fly apart if protons repel each other? What makes radium a radioactive element?

- [Radium Atom](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-radium-atom)

***What Are Atoms? Explorable Scene*** – This is included for consolidation purposes, allowing students to see all the models in one VR scene.

- [What Are Atoms?](https://edvr.se/hEA-RXa-FoM/what-are-atoms)