The discovery and analysis of patterns relating to electron configurations for neutral atoms within the periodic table makes this inquiry-based lesson unlike any other you’ll find!  With prior knowledge of the orbitals that are represented by electron configurations, students will be able to lead their own learning in a truly student-centered design.

The cross-cutting concept of patterns takes center stage in this lesson as students use electron configurations they construct themselves as evidence to engage in argument.

Get a full analysis of this lesson here!

Using this lesson and these tools, your students will be able to:

1. demonstrate proficiency with filling Aufbau diagrams and writing the corresponding electron configurations.
2. find similarities among three diagrams and configurations for atoms from the same group within the periodic table.
3. identify how the periodic table can be used to determine the orbital in which the highest energy valence electrons are located within a neutral atom.
4. determine the configuration neutral atoms using only their location on the periodic table.

Key Features:

• Perfect for high school chemistry (grades 9-12)
• Included digital worksheet supports remote learning whenever student and teacher cannot be together in the same classroom
• Fully editable PowerPoint and customizable for your classroom needs
• Perfectly suited for multi-level group work:
  • First, each individual is assigned the same task to practice for a unique element.
  • Then, students cooperate in small groups to identify similarities within periodic table groups.
  • Finally, small groups cooperate with other small groups to discern the periodic trends related to electron configurations.  

• Strategic design of the graphic organizers used in this lesson promotes guidedinquiry-based learning</a>.
• As intended by the NGSS, the patterns revealed by these graphic organizers allow students to use their own responses as evidence to engage in argument.

-WHAT’S INCLUDED -

PowerPoint Presentation (Editable):

More than just a presentation tool, the contents of this PowerPoint file offer you the opportunity to empower your students to take ownership of their learning of a skill traditionally taught through lecture, note-taking, and rote, repetitive practice.  

Of important note, this lesson builds upon initial instruction related to Aufbau diagrams and electron configurations.  CLICK HERE to view the details of the introduction-style lesson students will need.

In this comprehensive lesson package, you’ll get:

1. an engaging bell ringer activity which spirals back upon what students already know about the energetics of various orbitals within Schrodinger’s model of the atom.
2. clear objectives written as learning intentions and success criteria so that students are able to measure their own progress.
3. simple, step-by-step tasks to ensure students avoid overwhelm as they work through the electron configuration activity.  
4. an artifact outline that supports collaboration but can alternatively be used for intensive, independent practice and is thoughtfully designed to reveal the periodic trend pattern central to the lesson.
5. prompts that encourage students to use the science practice of arguing evidence.
6. an artifact that encourages students to examine how their responses align with the periodic table.
7. a modeled example to prepare students for the series of four assessment-related questions that follow.

For more on the framework I use to design all my science lessons, check outthis blog post</a>.

*Lesson Plan Framework Highlights*

Bell Ringer (Review & Preview, ~ 5-10min):

Provided with a filled orbital diagram and a series of 6 pairs of orbitals, students choose which has the higher energy, write the electron configuration that describes the orbital diagram, and infer the energy of 4s as compared to 3d (at this point, that idea has not yet been introduced).

Task Instructions for Electron Configuration Periodic Trends Activity, ~20 min:

Students fill one Aufbau Diagram for each of three neutral atoms belonging to the same group and write their electron configurations. Students contribute their final electron configurations to a group spreadsheet for easier data analysis. (This can alternatively be delivered to small groups of 3 where each student in the group completes one orbital diagram and electron configuration.) They are prompted to observe the diagrams, highlighting similarities and differences.

Artifact Outline / Data-Dependent Analysis, ~10 min:

Using their observations and organized configurations as evidence, students identify the single common feature among all three diagrams/configurations and the biggest difference.  Either the teacher or larger combined groups will examine the configurations of all the groups as they pertain to element locations on the periodic table to reveal the “s-block” and “p-block” periodic trends.

Skill Practice, ~5 min:

Once the process is modeled with the whole group, students use the periodic table to determine configurations for the highest energy electrons belonging to 4 different atoms.

Digital Worksheet (via BookWidget):

This worksheet aligns directly with the PowerPoint presentation, giving you flexibility in how you deliver the lesson. Students can use it to follow along in class, catch up if they’re absent, or work on it in advance of planned absences. It complements both in-person and remote learning environments.  It can be distributed using a simple web link, but it cannot be edited.

Seesaw Activity:

This digital delivery option allows for easy review of student work and quick feedback during class or immediately after class.  It can also facilitate ongoing family engagement through the construction of year-long student portfolios. It's part of the student-centered system I use in my own classroom and model for teachers in my professional development program, the Digital Instructional Design Studio.

For more on how and why I integrate both of these edtech tools (BookWidgets and SeeSaw), check outthis video</a> on YouTube.

Why High School Teachers Love This Resource:

This electron configuration and periodic trends lesson will simplify your planning while upping the ante on student ownership of learning, encouraging them to explore independently or in small groups.

It leverages NGSS science and engineering practices along with cross-cutting concepts to help students gain a deeper understanding of electron configurations with respect to periodic trends that would not otherwise be possible with traditional resources.

Topics Included:

• Aufbau diagrams and orbital diagrams
• electron configurations
• electrically-neutral atoms
• Aufbau Rule
• Pauli Exclusion Principle
• Hund's Rule
• periodic trends

How to Use This All-In-One Resource:

• Present the PowerPoint to guide your whole group through the lesson.
• Prompt focused practice with writing electron configurations for neutral atoms so that students create their own evidence for making arguments related to periodic trends.
• Assign the digital worksheet for students to make their learning visible in-person or as make-up work.
• Distribute the Seesaw activity if your goals involve making learning visible in real-time.  It also does a great job of establishing a feedback loop with your students and families, as well as reducing your time spent grading.

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Want to teach my entire series on electron behavior and location?

In my year-long curriculum (not available for sale on TpT), the following lessons are taught prior to this one:

• Bohr Model Activity | Inquiry-Based Lesson w/ Virtual Lab
• Periodic Trends Activity | Atomic Size Lesson w/ Virtual Lab
• Electron Configurations Activity | Inquiry-Based Lesson w/ Virtual Lab