Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory
What is an Element?

Year 8 Science: Atomic Theory

Essential Question: What is an element?
sessions)

Time Allocation: 4 weeks (12 x 50 minute

Rationale:
This unit aims at providing students with a hands on approach to learning about Atomic Theory through guided discovery.
The unit covers three main areas of Atomic Theory; the history of the atomic model, what is an atom and what the differences
are between a compound, molecule and a mixture. Students use key inquiry skills to answer questions in relation to these
areas as they progress through the unit.
In the beginning of the unit students use prior knowledge to assess various examples of elements to draw conclusions about
how small atoms are. Tactical exploration through this interactive lesson engages students in the content. By the completion
of this lesson students should be able to describe atoms and elements in terms of relative size and what pure elements are.
The unit then focuses on the history of atomic theory, covering concepts such as why the periodic table is organised in such a
way, how our knowledge of the structure of the atom has changed over time and what experiments have been attempted to
change our understanding of the atom and what makes up an atom. During these lessons students will use a range of
experiments, modelling and observations to learn about the concepts being covered. At this point, students should be able to
describe the differences between the various models of the atom that have been proposed over time, describe the various
scientists contribution to atomic theory and identify the key differences between various elements, including what the proton,
neutron and electron are and where they are located inside an atom. Students will also be able to identify why elements have
been grouped together in the periodic table and explain the reasons as to why some elements are more reactive then others.
In the second half of this unit students will focus on what comprises a compound, molecule of a compound and a mixture and
inference differences between the three. Students will explore these concepts through practical experiments that will
separate molecules from compounds or form compounds from molecules and make sherbet as a way of exploring mixtures.
Through this exploration they will understand how atoms combine to form a range of different compounds or molecules of
compounds and how many substances are mixtures of compounds and molecules.

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory

What is an Element?
Victorian Curriculum F-10
Level 7 and 8 Science Achievement Standard:
By the end of Level 8, students explain how evidence has led to an improved understanding of a scientific idea. They discuss
how science knowledge can be applied to generate solutions to contemporary problems and explain how these solutions may
impact on society. They investigate different forms of energy and explain how energy transfers and transformations cause
change in simple systems. They use examples to illustrate how light forms images. They use a wave model to explain the
properties of sound. They use the particle model to predict, compare and explain the physical and chemical properties and
behaviours of substances. They describe and apply techniques to separate pure substances from mixtures. They provide
evidence for observed chemical changes in terms of colour change, heat change, gas production and precipitate formation.
They analyse the relationship between structure and function at cell, organ and body system levels. They identify and classify
living things. They explain how living organisms can be classified into major taxonomic groups based on observable
similarities and differences. They predict the effect of environmental changes on feeding relationships between organisms in
a food web. They distinguish between different types of simple machines and predict, represent and analyse the effects of
unbalanced forces, including Earths gravity, on motion. They compare processes of rock formation, including the time scales
involved, and analyse how the sustainable use of resources depends on the way they are formed and cycle through Earth
systems. They model how the relative positions of Earth, the Sun and the Moon affect phenomena on Earth.
Students identify and construct questions and problems that they can investigate scientifically and make predictions based
on scientific knowledge. They plan experiments, identifying variables to be changed, measured and controlled. They consider
accuracy and ethics when planning investigations, including designing field or experimental methods. Students summarise
data from different sources and construct representations of their data to reveal and analyse patterns and relationships, and
use these when justifying their conclusions. They explain how modifications to methods could improve the quality of their
data and apply their scientific knowledge and investigation findings to evaluate claims made by others. They use appropriate
scientific language, representations and simple word equations to communicate science ideas, methods and findings.
Content Descriptions:
VCSSU089 - Scientific knowledge and understanding of the world changes as new evidence becomes available;
science knowledge can develop through collaboration and connecting ideas across the disciplines and practice of
science
VCSSU097 - Differences between elements, compounds and mixtures can be described by using a particle model
VCSSU098 - Chemical change involves substances reacting to form new substances

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory

What is an Element?
VCSIS110 - Construct and use a range of representations including graphs, keys and models to record and summarise
data from students own investigations and secondary sources, and to represent and analyse patterns and
relationships
VCISIS113 - Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems including identifying impacts and limitations of
conclusions and using appropriate scientific language and representations

Lesson sequence: Atomic Theory

Session
(50
mins)

What will students know

and be able to do?

Focus

What is an
Element?

2&3

4&5

How did we
come to
understand
elements?

Whats inside
an atom?

Students will learn that

atoms are the smallest
building blocks of all matter
Atoms cannot be broken
down into smaller
components
Elements are made from
one type of atom

Students will be able to

identify the three main
models of the atom
Students will be able to
describe each scientists
contribution to atomic
theory

Students will be able to

demonstrate an
understanding of the
current model of an atom

What are the main

learning activities?

Brainstorm activity What

are the smallest building
blocks?
Investigation 7.3 Checking
Out Appearances Students examine various
examples of elements
Watch Video Crash Course
Chemistry #37
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=thnDxFdkzZs
In groups, Research a
particular contributor to
atomic theory and present
a short presentation on
their contribution
Watch Video Crash Course
Chemistry #1
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?

What are the assessment

tasks?

Complete the table in

investigation 7.3

Completion of Atomic
Timeline
Completion of presentation
Completion of labelled
diagrams of atomic models

Making a model of an atom

Investigation of atomic
number, mass and name
Completion of table of

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory
What is an Element?

Session
(50
mins)

What will students know

and be able to do?

Focus

Students will be able to

identify the three parts of
an atom

What are the main

learning activities?

6&7

How do we
group
elements?

Students will understand

the history of the periodic
table
Students will understand
the groups of the periodic
table

8, 9 & 10

What is a
Compound and
what is a
molecule?

Students will be able to

describe the differences
between a compound and a
compound of a molecule
Students will be able to
draw basic
molecule/compound shapes

What are the assessment

tasks?

v=FSyAehMdpyI&list=PL8d
PuuaLjXtPHzzYuWy6fYEaX9
mQQ8oGr
Investigating the source of
the atomic number, mass
and names of various
elements
Using knowledge from
previous lessons, students
will attempt to construct a
periodic table
Students will research the
history of the periodic
table and why its layout is
such
Students will research the
various groups of the
periodic table and the
various properties of each
Investigation 7.7 Looking
for Similarities
Investigation 7.5 Making a
compound from its
elements
Investigation 7.6 Lets
collect an element
Building models of
molecules/compounds
Making Sherbet

investigation

Completion of periodic table

jigsaw puzzle
Completion of table of
features of each periodic
group
Completion of table in
Investigation 7.7

Completion of Investigation
7.5
Completion of Investigation
7.6

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory
What is an Element?

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory

Assessment Task 1 Elements of the Periodic Table

Task
Your task for this assessment is to choose an element of the periodic table that begins with the same letter as your name. If more
then one person in the class has the same starting letter you need to choose a different element to that person.
Using your knowledge of atomic theory you are to research your element and answer a series of questions in a creative but
informative manner.
You may choose to present your information as a poster, as a YouTube video, as a wikispace article or however you may choose.
Please consult with your teacher to confirm your element and your presentation idea. Be creative with how you present your
information.
Areas to research
1.
2.
3.
4.

Research the name of the element, its number of Protons, Neutrons and Electrons
Research who discovered the element, when it was discovered and how it was discovered
Research where the element got its name from
Research how the element is commonly found, where it is most abundant, and its melting and boiling points, and what its
reactivity is
5. Research whether the element has any common uses and whether it is a safe element or dangerous to humans
6. Research any other interesting fact you can find out about your element
Remember to reference all your information and provide a complete bibliography. While Wikipedia may be a good starting point for
your research, you are not to use it as a reference and must use creditable sources of information.
Assessment
Your assignment will be assessed across a number of criteria, these include:

Presentation of information, how creative you present your information

How detailed your information is
The sources you have collected information from

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory

Please see the rubric for a detailed breakdown of the assessment criteria

Assessment Task 1 Elements of the Periodic Table Rubric

Name: ________________________________________________________

Class: ______________

Topic: _________________________________________________________

Date: ______________
Criteria

5
Very interesting
and creative
method of
presentation

4
Interesting and
creative method
of presentation

3
Adequate
method of
presentation

2
Basic
presentation

1
Little to no effort
in presentation

Research
areas 1-3

Excellent
attention to
detail, all areas
of research have
detailed
responses

All areas of
research
covered but with
adequate
responses

Most areas of
research
covered with
simple
responses

Some areas of
research
covered, some
detail

Little to no
attention to
detail, not all
areas of
research
covered

Research
areas 4-6

Excellent
attention to
detail, all areas
of research have
detailed
responses

All areas of
research
covered but with
adequate
responses

Most areas of
research
covered with
simple
responses

Some areas of
research
covered, some
detail

Little to no
attention to
detail, not all
areas of
research
covered

Referencing

5 or more
references used

4 references
used

3 references
used

1 or 2 references
used

No reference list

Method of
Presentation

Points

Year 8 Science

Atomic Theory
Total

Additional Comments