Bohr Atomic Model -

Chemistry, 6-12

We are pleased to introduce our brand new chemistry material, the Bohr’s Atomic Model – Complete Set! Chemistry begins with the study of the smallest building blocks of life, atoms. Atoms are still represented through many models aiming to replicate the probabilistic laws of quantum mechanics, with electrons unpredictably moving in a circular motion within the perimeter of a nucleus. Bohr Atomic Model.

The Bohr Model was presented by physicist Niel Bohr in 1913 as a theoretical atomic model. It resembles a solar system with electrons orbiting a nucleus in a predictable pattern. The Bohr Model does not claim to be the most accurate model, but it is still the preferred introductory model for young learners. This theory has been revised and replaced with more realistic theories which suggest that electrons travel within energy levels (shells) under the influence of various factors.

That said, the Bohr Atomic Model isn’t inaccurate in its structure. Atoms do have variable electrons circulating around a nucleus with observable parts (protons and neutrons) of which its mass is known. Therefore, the Bohr Model can serve as a way to build each atom in its most simplistic fixed form. It is an excellent hands-on tool that helps young learners understand the concept of the smallest particles of matter and learn how scientists have classified atoms in the Periodic Table of Elements, which we will discuss in this post.

Materials

a Bohr’s Atomic Model cloth chart
a Periodic Table of Elements chart
39 Task Cards
9 reproducible blank charts
wooden discs
a storage tray for the discs
a storable box for the task cards

Purpose

Learning about atoms is a key component that will lead to understanding all other chemistry concepts as well as physical science. Because everything is made of matter, atoms, and elements understanding how atoms are composed and how they bond is fundamental. By offering to work with both the atomic structure and the Periodic Table of Elements, we are reconciling two scientific components that are often studied separately, and yet, that need to be learned together. This allows children to understand how scientists have organized the elements into a series of groups and periods within a matrix. For instance, the most basic atom is Hydrogen. Hydrogen is the first atom found in the top left corner of the Periodic Table of Elements. This means that Hydrogen is the smallest and lightest atom in the Periodic Table. It also means that, because it is in the first group, it only has one shell (or energy level) around the nucleus, which we call the outermost shell of the atom. And because it is in Period 1, Beryllium has one electron on its outermost shell. Another example is Beryllium. Beryllium is in Group 2, Period 2 of the Periodic Table of the Elements. This means that the atomic structure of Beryllium contains 2 shells (Group 2) with 2 electrons on the outermost shell of the atom (Period 2). See pictures below.

There is a lot more to learn about atomic structure. Children understand that atoms have room for gaining or losing electrons which allow them to bond with other elements and form molecules such as H2O (water). They can also comprehend physical science such as static electricity, where electrons transfer from atoms to atoms which generate sparks. Atoms with unfilled outermost shells are known to be unstable and reactive due to the configuration of the electrons on the outermost shell. Carbon is a good example (see picture below) of how atoms with incomplete outermost shells (also known as valence) tend to complete this shell by creating bonds with other elements. Children will find that many molecules are created with carbon, it is thanks to its capacity to host electrons from other atoms.

Now that we have talked about the ways that the Bohr’s Atomic Model serves a child’s learning experience, you hope you can appreciate the content of our comprehensive set, Bohr’s Atomic Model – Complete Set, which comes with a large Bohr’s model cloth chart, a printed Bohr’s model chart, wooden discs in a tray, command cards in a box, and a chart of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Please visit our website for more materials on Chemistry! Our Bohr’s Atomic Model is also available as a separate cloth chart with discs.