Pudding & Clouds Activity

Models of atoms Scientists use pictures and models to represent atoms. A number of your drawings from last week look like the following. Each of drawings is a model of the atom. 1. Do you think you can see atoms? Why? 2. How do you think that scientists come up with drawings of atoms? 3. How do models help scientists and others out?

What’s a model and why do we need one for the atom? 1st: Atoms are extremely small and cannot be seen even with a microscope. 2nd: Because we can’t see atoms, we have to come up with a model to describe it. 3rd: A model is a simplified imitation of something you want to explain. For example, a map is a model of the earth. 4th: Models are very powerful in science because they are supported by scientific evidence that is accepted by the scientific community.

Pudding and Clouds Summary Dalton None – a solid sphere Electrons – negative Protons - positive Thomson Electrons – negative Protons – positive Nucleus of protons in center Rutherford Electrons – negative Protons – positive Nucleus of protons Electrons orbit at different energy levels Bohr Electrons – negative Protons – positive Neutrons – neutral Nucleus of protons and neutrons Electrons in different energy level clouds Quantum