Lesson Plan: Understanding Atomic Structure, Electron Configuration, and Planks Constant

Grade Level: High School (9-12)

Duration: 3 class periods (90 minutes each)

Objectives:
- The student will demonstrate an understanding of atomic structure and nuclear processes.
- A1: Obtain and communicate information to describe and compare subatomic particles with regard to
mass, location, charge, electrical attraction and repulsion, and impact on the properties of an atom.
- A2: Use the Bohr and Quantum Mechanical models of the atomic structure to exemplify how electrons
are distributed in atoms.

Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Visual aids (e.g., diagrams of atomic models)
- Printed handouts with practice problems
- Computer or tablet with internet access for research

Lesson Outline:
Day 1 - Introduction to Atomic Structure (90 minutes)

Objective: The student will understand the basic components of atomic structure, including subatomic
particles and their properties.

1. Engagement (5 minutes): Brief discussion on the importance of understanding atomic structure and its
relevance in our daily lives. Ask students if they know what atoms are made of and what keeps them
stable.

2. Direct Instruction (20 minutes): Explain the three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and
electrons. Discuss their properties (mass, charge, and location within the atom) using visual aids on the
whiteboard.

3. Guided Practice (20 minutes): Show diagrams of atoms and ask students to identify the location of each
subatomic particle within these diagrams.

4. Group and Independent Practice (45 minutes): Distribute printed handouts with practice problems for
students to solve, involving identifying subatomic particles and their properties.

Day 2 - Electron Arrangement and Quantum Mechanics (90 minutes)

Objective: The student will understand how electrons are distributed in atoms using the Bohr and
Quantum Mechanical models.
1. Review (10 minutes): Review the key concepts from the previous day, emphasizing the properties of
subatomic particles.

2. Direct Instruction (20 minutes): Introduce the Bohr and Quantum Mechanical models of atomic
structure. Explain the electron distribution in each model and how they differ.

3. Guided Practice (15 minutes): Examples of atoms and guide students in using both models to determine
electron arrangement for these atoms.

4. Group/Independent Practice (45 minutes): Handouts with practice problems related to electron
arrangement in various atoms using the Bohr and Quantum Mechanical models.

Day 3 - Plank's Constant and Nuclear Processes (90 minutes)

Objective: The student will understand the concept of Plank's Constant and its significance in quantum
mechanics and nuclear processes.

1. Engagement (10 minutes): Brief discussion on the importance of quantum mechanics and how it
connects to nuclear processes.

2. Direct Instruction (20 minutes): Explain Plank's Constant and its role in quantum mechanics. Discuss
its significance in understanding atomic and nuclear phenomena.

3. Guided Practice (10 minutes): Work through example problems that involve Plank's Constant and its
applications in quantum mechanics.

4. Independent Practice (45 minutes): Provide handouts with Plank's Constant-related problems for
students to solve independently.

Assessment (15 minutes): Quiz atomic structure, electron arrangement, and Plank's Constant.

Additional Practice as needed will be assigned. Atomic structure and Plank's Constant for further practice
and understanding.

Closure: Review the key concepts covered in the lesson and remind students of the importance of
understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics in the study of nuclear processes.