The History of the Atom, Atomic Structure and Isotopes
This LIST includes resources related to the history of the atom with reference to the Plum Pudding Model and Rutherford Scattering as well as resources for teaching atomic structure and isotopes.
Structure of the Atom and Radiation Powerpoint
Comprehensive powerpoint on the structure of the atom, isotopes and alpha, beta and gamma.
Slides 1-6 focus on structure of the atom
Slide 50 looks at isotopes
Electron: 100 Years and Still Going Strong
Article on the discovery of the electron and how this led to the Plum Pudding Model. Useful for building timelines, group discussions, inspiration for writing newspaper articles, developing literacy and science communication skills and consolidating large amounts of information into concise notes.
Snooker Balls, Plum Puddings and Solar Systems
Higher level article on the history of the atom. Useful for building timelines, group discussions, inspiration for writing newspaper articles, developing literacy and science communication skills and consolidating large amounts of information into concise notes.
The Discovery of the Atomic Nucleus
A video presented by Brian Cox focusing on the discovery of the nucleus. The Plum Pudding model and Rutherford's scattering experiment are covered.
Simulation of Rutherford Scattering compared with the Plum Pudding Model
A simulation of what happens to alpha particles during Rutherford scattering. You can also see what would have happened to the alpha particles if the Plum Pudding Model had been correct.
Rutherford Scattering Task
This link contains two differentiated versions of the same document. Both are good plenary activities.
Alpha Scattering (lower/middle ability): Cutting and sticking activity to help students match the path of alpha particles with the explanations provided.
Alpha Scattering Extension (higher ability): Students explain the paths of the alpha particles in their own words using the diagram for guidance.
Level Assessed Task - Rutherford Scattering
This task asks students to write a newspaper article on the experiment conducted by Geiger and Marsden and how the results were interpreted by Rutherford. Mark scheme included.
Isotopes - Starter/Plenary Activity
Although intended for AS Chemistry the first section of this worksheet is particularly good for calculating atomic/mass/proton/neutron/electron numbers of isotopes. The second section of the worksheet offers an extension by asking students to do the same calculations but for ions.
Level Assessed Task - Structure of the Atom
Students are asked to produce a resource to teach year 9 students about the atom. The link includes the mark scheme.