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Model of an Atom


Note from UTH: A rock hardness test kit (see Lesson 7 for image) with labeled sample minerals, a streak plate, a nail, etc. enriches field study for this course, but is not required. At the time of this writing, kits may be purchased online for $10.00 and up.

Atoms are defined as the smallest possible amount of matter which still retains its identity as a chemical element. Atoms make up many things around us - people, houses, cars, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the subject of science study this year - rocks and minerals.

Atoms include the following particles:

  • Positive protons
  • Neutral (not negative or positive) neutrons
  • Negative electrons

Find the positive protons, negative electrons and neutral neutrons on the model of an atom.

There are many different types of atoms/elements including oxygen (O), gold (Au), and carbon (C). Elements may be referred to by their name (e.g. sulfur) or shorthand symbol (S).The different types of atoms can be found on the periodic table of elements. Find O (oxygen), Au (gold), C (carbon), and sulfur (S).
An "element" is anything made up of atoms all having the same number of protons. Different types of atoms may be combined into compounds. The classic example is the silver metal element, sodium (Na), plus the yellowish gas element, Chlorine (Cl), combining to form the white solid compound, Salt (NaCl).
Humans are made of different types of atoms, mainly oxygen (O), carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and calcium (Ca). Visualize your body made up of billions of billions of tiny little atoms.

Rocks and minerals are also made up of different types of atoms. Some, like pure copper, are made up of only one kind of atom (copper (Cu)).
Others, like, cuprite, are made up of different kinds of atoms (copper (Cu) and oxygen (O)).

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

  • Read the lesson.
  • Review the synopsis.
  • Recite aloud the vocabulary words and their definitions.
  • Study the rock and mineral of the week.
  • Complete the enrichment activities.
  • Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Tiny atoms make up humans, plants, houses, the air, and many of the things we interact with and require to survive. Rocks and minerals are also made up of atoms. Examples of atoms include sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), gold (Au), oxygen (O), sulfur (S), and carbon (C). Sometimes atoms join together to form new substances called compounds. Examples of compounds include salt (NaCl) and cuprite (Cu2O).

Vocabulary

Atom: The smallest possible amount of matter which still retains its identity as a chemical element.
Element: Any one of the simplest chemical substances that are made of atoms all having the same number of protons.
Compound: A substance made from any combination of elements.
Proton: A positively charged subatomic particle of the atom.
Neutron: A neutral subatomic particle of the atom.
Electron: A negatively charged subatomic particle of the atom.
Periodic Table: A tabular chart of the chemical elements according to their atomic numbers so that elements with similar properties are in the same group (column).
Vitreous: Of or resembling glass.
Cleavage: The tendency of a crystal to split along specific planes.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

Overview
  • Native gold is both a mineral and an element found on the periodic table.
  • Gold can be found by itself (native gold) and also combined with other rocks and minerals in a type of rock called an ore.
  • Gold gets it periodic table symbol 'Au' from its Latin word - Aurum.
  • Gold is highly valued and prized by people.
  • Gold is relatively rare, a beautiful color, and is soft enough to be worked into jewelry such as necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets.

Physical Characteristics
  • Color: Yellow to Golden
  • Hardness: 2.5
  • Luster: Metallic
  • Cleavage: None
  • Streak: Yellow to Golden
  • Tenacity: Ductile and malleable

Locations
  • South Africa, Australia, Russia, United States (Alaska and Nevada), Canada

Interesting Facts
  • Gold does not tarnish like silver.
  • During the California Gold Rush (1848-1855), early prospectors rushed to California to pan for gold in the streams.
  • Pyrite, also called 'Fools Gold,' is sometimes mistaken for gold but is worth far less.
  • Golden ingots are bars of gold that must contain at least 99.5% pure gold.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Lesson

  • After reading or listening to the lesson, narrate the lesson aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Can You Find It?

Find the following elements on the periodic table:

  • Gold (Au)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Chlorine (Cl)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Oxygen (O)
  • Sulfur (S)
  • Carbon (C)

Activity 3: Map the Lesson

  • Gold is currently found in South Africa, Australia, Russia, the United States, and Canada.
  • Zoom in to find these countries on the map of the world.

Activity 4: Complete a Notebook Entry   

Complete page 3 in 'Fifth Grade Science Rocks and Minerals Notebook Pages.'

Review

Question 1

Which tiny fundamental particles of matter make up people, houses, rocks, and minerals?
1 / 4

Answer 1

Atoms make up people, houses, rocks, and minerals.
1 / 4

Question 2

What are the main three subatomic elements in an atom, and what is the charge of each?
2 / 4

Answer 2

Positive protons, neutral neutrons, and negative electrons are the main three subatomic elements in an atom.
2 / 4

Question 3

What is the periodic table of elements?
3 / 4

Answer 3

The periodic table of elements is a chart of all the known elements.
3 / 4

Question 4

Describe something about gold.
4 / 4

Answer 4

Gold is a rare, soft, valuable yellow metal used for making jewelry.
4 / 4

  1. Which tiny fundamental particles of matter make up people, houses, rocks, and minerals? Atoms make up people, houses, rocks, and minerals.
  2. What are the main three subatomic elements in an atom, and what is the charge of each? Positive protons, neutral neutrons, and negative electrons are the main three subatomic elements in an atom.
  3. What is the periodic table of elements? The periodic table of elements is a chart of all the known elements.
  4. Describe something about gold. Gold is a rare, soft, valuable yellow metal used for making jewelry.

References

  1. 'Atom.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom. n.p.
  2. 'Periodic Table.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_Table. n.p.
  3. 'Gold.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold. n.p.
  4. 'Pyrite.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrite. n.p.
  5. 'California Gold Rush.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush. n.p.
  6. Cited Physical Properties. Geology.com. geology.com/rocks. n.p.

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