Atoms are the building blocks of chemistry and a source of endless fascination for scientists of all ages. This collection of middle school activities includes hands-on labs, edible models, 3D structures as well as educational slideshows and videos for hours of investigative fun.
1. Periodic Table Activity
This creative and fun periodic table activity introduces learners to a random cast of ‘periodic people’ that need to be organized according to the major patterns of the Periodic Table.
Learn More: Sunrise Science
2. Take Notes Using Cornell Doodle Notes
Cornell notes are a structured method of note-taking which includes a left-hand column for jotting down questions and a right-hand column for adding details. They are a great way to visualize the parts of an atom using a variety of common analogies.
Learn More: Sunrise Science
3. Digital Atom Structure Activity
This interactive slide show includes drag-and-drop features on atomic structure, number, and mass as well as isotopes.
Learn More: Just Add H2O
4. Basic Structure of Atoms Digital Escape Room
In this online digital resource, students get to explore a fun fair, talk to clowns, and play inside a circus tent all while solving chemistry-based puzzles.
Learn More: The Ginger Teacher
5. Clue Style Mystery Activity
This Periodic Table code breaker activity hides a secret code that can only be cracked by uncovering the atomic number of various elements.
Learn More: Twinkl
6. Atom-themed Guessing Game
This educational guessing game challenges students to describe key atoms, elements, and compound vocabulary without using certain banned words.
Learn More: Twinkl
7. Edible Atom Activity
This fun engineering activity challenges students to use gumdrops and toothpicks to construct lithium atom models. This hands-on activity also includes adding and subtracting electrons and determining the overall charges on atoms.
Learn More: Teach Engineering
8. 3D Atom Model Activity
This engaging activity uses lego bricks to help kids visualize how atoms before classifying them as elements, compounds, or mixtures.
Learn More: Middle School Science
9. Atomic Structure Activity Stimulation
This collection of digital interactive activities allows learners to drag and drop parts of an atom and determine its charge. It’s a wonderful academic activity for helping kids visualize their learning as well as being a great remote lesson.
Learn More: Ph ET Interactive Simulations
10. Fun Activity For Learning The Properties Of Atoms
Teach your pupils all about atoms with this interactive digital activity. Invite them to click, scroll, and drag the mouse around the screen to interact with all the elements of this educational website. They’ll discover how molecules behave in different environments and you can even allow them to play fun-filled practice games to reinforce any new information that they’ll learn.
11. Subatomic Particles Foldable Activity
This interactive notebook activity is a great way to review the chemical properties of atoms and an excellent starting point for posing open-ended questions about atoms in chemical formulas and chemical reactions.
Learn More: Math Equals Love
12. Draw Atoms on Paper Plates
This simple solo or partner activity can be paired with element cards and diagrams for elements to challenge students to create their elements of choice using paper plates and stickers.
Learn More: Math Equals Love
13. Build and Identify Atoms with A Magnetic Modelling Set
This engaging and innovative game is a terrific way to build and identify molecules while learning about the atomic bonding and the chemical properties of different atoms.
Learn More: Amazon
14. Play a Game of the Elements
This hands-on movement-based game is a fun way to teach the chemical structure of atoms and the groupings of the periodic table.
Learn More: Boardgame Geek
15. Element Cards with Properties of Elements
Why not use this collection of element cards to challenge students to sort them into groups based on their properties such as metals, non-metals, and gases?
Learn More: Share My Lesson
16. Create a Timeline to Describe the Development of Atomic Theory
Students will explore how atomic theory has changed and developed over time before creating their own timelines.
Learn More: Middle School Science
17. Watch a Generation Genius Video About Atoms & Molecules
This education video features a collection of extension activities including discussion questions, key vocabulary, a DIY activity guide, and suggested reading resources.
Learn More: Generation Genius
18. Make a 3D Model of the Carbon Atom
Carbon is one of the key building blocks of all matter and is a great starting point for creating a 3D model of the atom.
Learn More: Sciencing
19. Build Atoms With Candy
Students are sure to love using candy to determine the number of shells an atom has as well as the placement of its electrons.
Learn More: Education Possible
20. Watch a Slideshow about Atoms
This informative slideshow provides a helpful overview of atoms, elements, and compounds.
Learn More: Slide Share
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