When studying ions and molecules and atoms it can be tough to visualize what's going on. In this atoms and ions activity kids use manipulatives to see how the electron arrangement changes and why the ion develops a charge. 26 different named ions can be made with this activity and kids can extend the activity to make even more ions.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ How can you tell ions apart?
❑ What can be the same about two different ions? What is always different?
❑ What's the maximum charge an ion can carry? The minimum?
Once students work through the activity, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions.
Concepts Addressed
♦ Ions have charges ranging from -4 to +4
♦ Different ions can have the same number of electrons but their numbers of protons will differ
♦ Atoms of the same element may differ in their numbers of electrons (making them ions) or neutrons (making them isotopes)
♦ An atom's number of protons defines which element it is.
Standards Addressed
NGSS MS-PS1-1
VA SOL Science PS.4c
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
Materials Needed Nonconsummables: small game pieces to use as electrons, about 10 per person. Copies of atom/ion cards which can be made on cardstock and laminated if desired. Copies of directions can be placed into page protectors or laminated
Prep Time Collecting electron pieces. Photocopying the student cards and directions (laminating optional). Game pieces and atom/ion cards and can be reused for other activities in this series.
Teaching Time About 40 mins or more depending on accompanying writing assignment.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
