Watch alpha particles escape from a polonium nucleus, causing radioactive alpha decay. See how random decay times relate to the half life.

This resource is designed to accompany students notes, texts, and other instructional resources and provide a means to review what they have learned about atomic structure and counting atoms in compounds.

I love this activity, and I think it is a great instructional resource for students to learn about atomic structure and counting atoms in compounds.  However, I would like to add a single modification.MODIFICATION:  Add the following question: How are atoms of one element different from the atoms of  a different element?   This resource is designed to accompany students notes, texts, and other instructional resources and provide a means to review what they have learned about atomic structure and counting atoms in compounds.

Explore the origin of energy bands in crystals of atoms. The structure of these bands determines how materials conduct electricity.

Watch beta decay occur for a collection of nuclei or for an individual nucleus.

As technology has evolved over time so has the understanding of the structure of the atom. This module focuses on how the model of the atom has changed over time using The Atomic Theory Timeline including the historical contributions of the scientists involved. This module was developed by Tracey Nipper as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Students will explain that matter consists of atoms held together by electromagnetic forces and exists as different substances which can be utilized based on their properties. Students will be able to describe the behavior of atoms during a chemical change. Students will be able to distinguish covalent and ionic bonds.This module was developed by Patricia Kramolisch as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Create a laser by pumping the chamber with a photon beam. Manage the energy states of the laser's atoms to control its output.

Learn about polymers.  They are all around us. From the proteins we consume to the plastic cups we drink from, polymers dominate our lives and our earth. They package our snacks but can also pollute our oceans. But do you REALLY know what a polymer is? Join Camille Schrier, science lover and Miss America 2020, to explore the science of polymers by making some slimy sodium alginate worms, and biodegradable corn plastic that is good for the earth!!

As part of the introduction to the Periodic Table of the Elements, students will be introduced to the idea of atoms, molecules, and compounds. The physical manipulation of marshmallows (atoms) and toothpicks (bonds) will create a visual representation of the molecular structure of water. A second step requires students to create a second molecule using similar materials and using the Periodic Table as a reference point.

Explore what makes a reaction happen by colliding atoms and molecules. Design experiments with different reactions, concentrations, and temperatures. When are reactions reversible? What affects the rate of a reaction?

How did Rutherford figure out the structure of the atom without being able to see it? Simulate the famous experiment in which he disproved the Plum Pudding model of the atom by observing alpha particles bouncing off atoms and determining that they must have a small core.

Learn about cooking and baking. They are really all about science. Using her kitchen as her laboratory, Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020, explores the power of food and the science of cooking. She dissects what happens when she's in the kitchen preparing two of her favorite foods- eggs and cookies. Join Miss America as she explores the biological building blocks of food and the molecular changes that happen when we cook. Developed for students in grades 6-10.

The goal of this module is that 5th graders will not simply memorize the definition of matter and know what makes up matter, but they will understand this conceptually and deeply. They will explore how matter takes up space and has mass, that the amount of mass doesn't change when matter undergoes phase change, and that matter can be subdivided into particles too small to see.This module was developed by Karin Kaerwer as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.