Looking to cut ties with your textbook? This complete inquiry-based lesson on atomic radius includes a periodic trends activity that immerses students in discovery-based learning.  It also provides practice with data analysis using observations they obtain from a free virtual lab simulation.”

For even more details about this lesson than what's included in this listing -- including insight on instructional strategies used for delivering it -- read this article on our blog.

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

1. define terms:  valence electrons, valence orbital, periodic trend, atomic radius
2. draw Bohr models using the periodic table as a reference tool.
3. compare the radius of atoms of different elements. 
4. use the trend for atomic radius to compare the size of atoms using only the periodic table.

Key Features:

• Perfect for high school chemistry (grades 9-12)
• Free, virtual lab and digital worksheet support remote learning whenever student and teacher cannot be together in the same classroom
• Fully editable and customizable for your classroom needs
• Can be used to ensure individual mastery or to make a more collaborative chemistry classroom easier to achieve  
• Student-centered periodic trends activity facilitates guided inquiry-based learning
  • Integrates NGSS science and engineering practices related to (1) developing and using models, (2) analyzing and interpreting data, and (3) obtaining, evaluating and communicating information.
  • Designed to ensure cross-cutting concepts including (1) patterns, (2) scale, proportion and quantity, and (3) systems and system models are used for students to make sense of the science they are examining.

• Third-party virtual lab allows students to use an interactive periodic table to obtain known, quantitative measurements of atomic radius.

-WHAT’S INCLUDED -

PowerPoint Presentation (Editable):

This PowerPoint isn’t just about presenting information – this file will provide both you and your students a roadmap for teaching and learning a notoriously abstract, complex concept.  

You’ll get:

1. an engaging bell ringer activity which spirals back upon what students already know about Bohr model atoms.
2. clear objectives written as learning intentions and success criteria so that students are able to measure their own progress.
3. step-by-step instructions through execution of the periodic trends activity.
4. a scaffolded artifact outline on which students will document their observations throughout the periodic trends activity related to atomic radius.
5. questions that align with claim-evidence-reasoning writing tasks to prompt discussion or practice disciplinary literacy skills.
6. a set of assessment-related questions to help students practice their newfound knowledge of periodic trends using only the periodic table.

For more on the framework I use to design all my science lessons, check out this blog post.

*Lesson Plan Framework Highlights*

Bell Ringer (Review & Preview, ~ 5-10min):  Given 3 images of Bohr model atoms, students make observations related to the number of orbitals and valence electrons each has. They also use the periodic table to determine their name, element symbol, group A number, and period number. Students are asked which parts of the periodic table will allow them to draw their own accurate Bohr models of elements.

Task Instructions for Periodic Trends Activity, ~20 min:  Using a free, virtual lab, students make qualitative and quantitative observations related to the atomic radius of an atom of lithium compared to that of several other period 2 atoms and several other group 1A atoms.  Before purchasing this resource, CLICK HERE to make sure you're able to access the free virtual lab used as part of the main activity of this lesson.  

Artifact Outline / Data-Dependent Analysis, ~10 min:  Students record their quantitative atomic radius data and annotate a periodic table by shading elements larger than an atom lithium a different color than those smaller than an atom of lithium.  This will make the periodic trend very evident.  Students are prompted to cite evidence to support why atomic radius increases across a period and down a group within the periodic table.

Skill Practice, ~5 min: Provided with two elements and their locations highlighted on a periodic table, students will choose which would be the larger neutral atom and have the biggest atomic radius.

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 in-class digital delivery option allows for easy review of student work, quick feedback, and ongoing family engagement through 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 out this video on YouTube.

WHY HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHERS LOVE THIS RESOURCE

This atomic radius lesson with periodic trends activity not only streamlines your prep work but also promotes student-led exploration. 

By integrating NGSS science and engineering practices and capitalizing on cross-cutting concepts, this all-in-one resource package deepens students’ understanding of periodic trends and atomic radius through discovery.

Topics Included:

• Bohr model of the atom
• valence electrons
• valence orbitals
• periodic trend related to atomic radius

How to Use This All-In-One Resource:

• Present the PowerPoint to guide your whole group through the lesson.
• Engage students with the periodic trends activity using the free virtual lab to mimic skills obtained through hands-on scientific exploration.
• Assign the digital worksheet for students to make their learning visible in-person or as make-up work.
• Use 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.

Have you and your students loved this lesson? 

Share your positive review so that others will have the same kind of success!

What more chemistry teaching tools like these?!

Check out my other high school chemistry lessons that connect direct to this one, each designed for the same kind of active learning.

Taught immediately before this lesson in my year-long curriculum (not available for sale on TpT):

• Bohr Model Activity | Inquiry-Based Lesson w/ Virtual Lab

Taught immediately after this lesson in my year-long curriculum (not available for sale on TpT):

• Electron Configurations Activity | Inquiry-Based Lesson w/ Virtual Lab