Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Atom: Introduction

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to establish a solid foundation for understanding atomic structure, essential for developing practical and experimental skills. By grasping fundamental concepts, students will be able to apply this knowledge in maker activities and real-world job situations, promoting meaningful learning connected to the professional world.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the current atomic structure, identifying the nucleus made up of protons and neutrons and the electron cloud with electrons.

2. Differentiate between neutral atoms, cations, and anions.

Side Objectives

1. Relate knowledge of atomic structure to practical applications in the job market, such as in areas of chemistry, physics, and technology.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to establish a solid foundation for understanding atomic structure, essential for developing practical and experimental skills. By grasping fundamental concepts, students will be able to apply this knowledge in maker activities and real-world job situations, promoting meaningful learning connected to the professional world.

Contextualization

🌍 Contextualization: Atoms are the fundamental building blocks that make up all the matter around us. From the water we drink to the materials we use in our daily lives, everything is made up of atoms. Understanding atomic structure is essential for comprehending how materials behave and interact, enabling innovations in various fields such as medicine, technology, and engineering.

Curiosities and Market Connection

🔍 Curiosities and Market Connection: Did you know that nanotechnology, which is revolutionizing fields such as medicine and electronics, is based on the manipulation of atoms and molecules? High-tech companies, such as those developing computer chips or new materials for medicine, directly rely on knowledge about atomic structure. Furthermore, industrial chemistry, which produces medicines, food, and many other products, uses knowledge about atoms to create new substances and improve processes.

Initial Activity

📺 Initial Activity: Start the class with a short video (3 to 5 minutes) that visually explains the structure of the atom and its main parts (protons, neutrons, and electrons). Then, pose a provoking question to the students: "How do you think knowledge about atoms can influence the development of new technologies?". Ask them to discuss in pairs for 2 to 3 minutes and then share their ideas with the class.

Development

Duration: 55 to 60 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' understanding of atomic structure through practical and reflective activities. By constructing atomic models and solving fixation exercises, students consolidate their knowledge and develop skills relevant to the job market, such as the ability to visualize in three dimensions and apply theoretical concepts in practical situations.

Covered Topics

1. Structure of the atom: nucleus and electron cloud
2. Protons, neutrons, and electrons
3. Neutral atoms, cations, and anions

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how understanding atomic structure can directly impact areas of science and technology. Question how advances in understanding atoms have enabled the development of new technologies and materials, and encourage discussion about possible future innovations that may arise from this knowledge.

Mini Challenge

Building an Atomic Model

In this practical activity, students will build atomic models using simple materials such as Styrofoam balls, toothpicks, and paint. This activity will allow them to visualize and understand the organization of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom.

Instructions

1. Divide the students into groups of 3 to 4.
2. Distribute the necessary materials: Styrofoam balls of different sizes to represent protons, neutrons, and electrons, toothpicks, paint, and brushes.
3. Explain that the larger balls will represent protons and neutrons, while the smaller ones will be the electrons.
4. Ask them to paint the balls different colors to differentiate protons (red), neutrons (blue), and electrons (yellow).
5. Instruct the groups to assemble the nucleus of the atom with protons and neutrons using toothpicks to connect them.
6. Guide them to position the electrons in 'orbits' around the nucleus, using toothpicks to create electronic layers.
7. After assembly, each group must present their model to the class, explaining the function of each particle and how they are organized in the atom.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to allow students to visualize and understand the structure of the atom by identifying the positions and functions of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Additionally, the activity promotes teamwork and presentation skills.

Duration: 35 to 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. Draw a carbon atom, identifying the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. Explain the difference between a neutral atom, a cation, and an anion, and give examples of each.
3. Calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a Ca²⁺ ion.
4. Describe how the loss or gain of electrons affects the charge of an atom.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate student learning, ensuring they understand and value the concepts covered. By reflecting on the class, students can identify the importance of the knowledge acquired and its practical application, strengthening the connection between theory and the job market.

Discussion

💬 Discussion: Promote a discussion with the students about the concepts learned during the class. Question how building the atomic model helped in understanding the atom’s structure and the function of each particle. Ask about the main challenges faced during the practical activity and how they overcame them. Encourage students to reflect on how the knowledge acquired can be applied in real-life situations, both in everyday life and in various professional fields.

Summary

📚 Summary: Recap the main content covered during the class, highlighting the structure of the atom, composed of the nucleus (protons and neutrons) and the electron cloud (electrons). Reinforce the difference between neutral atoms, cations, and anions, and the importance of these concepts for understanding the properties of materials. Remind students of the connections made to the job market and the practical applications of atomic knowledge.

Closing

🔚 Closing: Explain how the class integrated theory, practice, and applications, allowing for a deeper and more concrete understanding of the topic. Emphasize the importance of understanding atomic structure for various fields of science and technology, and how this knowledge can drive innovations and improvements in products and processes. Conclude the class by highlighting the relevance of the topic to everyday life and the professional development of students.