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In this activity, learners make a scale model of an atom to see how big or how small an atom is compared to its nucleus. Learners will realize that most of matter is just empty space! Learners will calculate the diameter and radius of a pinhead and the distance between the radius and the electron cloud as well as other optional measurements listed in the "Etc." portion of the resource.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- free per group of students
- Ages 14 - 18
- Activity, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Straight pin with small pinhead
- Chalk dust, talk or other powder
- Meter stick
Subjects
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
-
Measurement
- Size and Scale
- Circles
-
Number and Operations
- Exponents
- Fractions
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Problem Solving
-
The Design Process
-
Physical Sciences
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
- Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Model Building
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Muller, Eric
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2002