Contextualization

In Chemistry class, it is essential for us to learn about atoms and how electrons are distributed in their respective layers. To do so, we use a concept called 'Electronic Distribution,' which is the focus of our project. It helps us understand how atoms organize themselves, combine to form compounds, and how chemical reactions occur.

There are three main models that explain the electronic distribution of electrons: Bohr Model, Pauli Exclusion Principle, and Hund's Rule. Each of these models has its own characteristics and rules for electronic distribution. In the Bohr Model, for example, electrons orbit in defined layers around the atom's nucleus. The Pauli Exclusion Principle establishes that electrons in the same atom cannot have all four identical quantum numbers, and Hund's Rule states that electrons must occupy orbitals in a way that maximizes the atom's total spin.

Electronic Distribution plays a fundamental role in various branches of science. In Medicine, for example, understanding electronic shifts helps in interpreting magnetic resonance images. In Chemical Engineering, knowledge of electronic configurations assists in the development of new materials and process optimization. Even in Information Technology, electronic distribution is important as it enables the development of superconductors and high-density computer memories.

Based on this introduction and contextualization, I suggest the following resources for further exploration of the topic:

• Book 'Chemistry: The Central Science' by Brown, LeMay, and Bursten: This is a reference book in chemistry, addressing the fundamental and advanced principles of the discipline. Chapter 6 specifically deals with the subject of our project.

• YouTube channel 'Chemistry in Action': Professor Péricles Miranda explains the electronic distribution and other related topics in a didactic way with practical examples.

• Chemistry Website of São Paulo State University (UNESP): The UNESP Chemistry department's page offers a series of support materials for studying various topics, including electronic distribution.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Construction of a Three-Dimensional Model of Electronic Distribution

Project Objective

The project's objective is to build a three-dimensional model that represents the electronic distribution of atoms using recyclable materials. With this, it is expected that students can understand and visualize the electronic layers and the arrangement of electrons in each of them.

Detailed Project Description

Each group of 3 to 5 students must select a chemical element from the periodic table to represent. After the choice, the group should research the electronic distribution of the atom of that element and then create a three-dimensional model that represents it.

The model must contain:

• The representation of the atomic nucleus, using a paper mache or clay sphere.
• The representation of the electronic layers (energy level), using wires to form circles around the nucleus.
• The representation of electrons, using small paper mache, clay, or bead spheres, fixed on the wires.

Required Materials

• Clay or paper mache
• Thin wires
• Beads or small clay/paper mache spheres
• Gouache paint in various colors
• Brushes
• Modeling clay

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Research the electronic distribution of the chosen chemical element.
2. Model a clay or paper mache sphere to represent the atom's nucleus.
3. Paint the sphere with a color that represents the chosen element's atom.
4. Model wires into circles of different sizes to represent the electronic layers. The number of circles should correspond to the number of electronic layers of the atom.
5. Attach the wire circles to the sphere representing the nucleus, in increasing order of size.
6. Place the small spheres or beads on the wires to represent the electrons. Make sure to place the correct number of electrons in each layer, according to the electronic distribution of the element.
7. Paint the small spheres or beads in different colors to represent the different electrons.
8. Document all steps of the process in photos and/or videos, which will be used in the report preparation.

The deadline for this project is one month. Each student should spend between five and ten hours on this task.

Project Deliverables

After completing the practical part, groups must prepare a report containing:

1. Introduction

The introduction should contextualize the electronic distribution theme, the relevance of the theme in various areas of knowledge, and the choice of the chemical element for the model construction. The materials used and the justification for each should also be presented.

2. Development

In the development section, the step-by-step construction of the model should be described, along with evidence in the form of photos and/or videos. Theoretical explanations about the electronic distribution of the chosen element should also be included, including the concepts of Bohr Model, Pauli Exclusion Principle, and Hund's Rule, when applicable.

3. Conclusions

In this section, students should summarize the main points of the work, explain the learnings obtained, and draw conclusions about the electronic distribution of the represented atom. It is expected that students demonstrate understanding of electronic distribution and its anomalies, if the chosen element presents this characteristic.

4. Bibliography

Include the references of all sources used for study and work development.

This report aims to assess students' learning about electronic distribution, as well as their teamwork, time management, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.