5th grade students that are studying matter will be focusing in this lesson on the smallest unit of matter - the atom.
Students will use small marshmallows to construct a model of an atom.

Overview:  I created this lab activity to provide my students with a fun way to learn about the components of the atom.  Students will investigate and understand that all matter is composed of atoms.  Key ideas include atoms consisting of particles including electrons, protons and neutrons.  This activity will be done after the introduction of the Periodic Table of Elements. This activity uses Playdough which is and always will be a favorite among kids. This activity provides support for SOL 6.5a in which students are expected to create and interpret a simplified, modern model of the structure of an atom.

Students will use the periodic table to solve a riddle. Afterwards, students will choose two of the elements used in the riddle to compare their atomic structure.

Students will use the periodic table to solve a riddle. Afterwards, students will choose two of the elements used in the riddle to compare their atomic structure.

This is a great activity for students to learn about elements atomic numbers. I would like to add a modification to this activity. I like to use the game, "What Am I?" In this game the students write the chemical symbol for an element on a post it note and choose another student and place it on their forehead, without them knowing what it is. When every student has a post it note on their forehead, they will walk around the class and take turns with other students giving clues to the student wearing the post it about their element. They could give clues like: number of protons, Family, period, etc.... When the student guesses his/her element, then they have 1 point. The students can collect as many points within the time frame the teacher allows.