Contextualization

The atomic evolution is a fascinating subject that is fundamental for the understanding of sciences. The atom, which is the basic unit of matter, has gone through several theories and models to explain its structure. From Dalton's model, which proposed that the atom was indivisible, to the current model, which describes a nucleus containing protons and neutrons with electrons orbiting around it in energy levels.

This evolution was only possible thanks to the contribution of several scientists who refuted, improved, and proposed new theories to explain the atom's structure. Among them, we can mention Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr, and many others who made significant contributions to our current understanding of the atom's structure.

However, understanding the atom's structure is not just an academic issue. Atoms are the basis of everything around us, from the air we breathe to the objects we use in our daily lives. Understanding the atom's structure and its evolution has allowed extraordinary advances in science and technology, from the creation of new materials to energy production.

Importance

The study of atomic evolution is crucial for understanding the natural world and the development of technologies. For example, understanding the atom's structure and how atoms combine to form molecules is fundamental for chemistry and the creation of new materials.

Furthermore, understanding atomic structure is also crucial for physics, as it explains phenomena such as radioactivity and energy production in nuclear reactors. In medicine, the application of atomic and molecular concepts contributes to the development of new drugs and treatments.

Practical Activity: Construction of Three-Dimensional Atomic Models

Objective

The objective of this activity is to build three-dimensional models of atoms representing different stages of atomic evolution. By the end of this project, students should be able to understand and explain the main theories that describe the atom's structure and the evolution of these theories over time.

Project Description

Students should form groups of 3 to 5 people and choose three important atomic models for atomic evolution: for example, they could select Dalton's model, Rutherford's model, and Bohr's model. With these in hand, each group will be responsible for creating three-dimensional models of each of these atoms and presenting them to the class, explaining the main characteristics of each model and how it contributed to the advancement of atomic theory.

Necessary Materials

• Styrofoam balls of different sizes
• Different colors of acrylic paint or marker pens
• Barbecue sticks
• String
• Scissors

Step by Step

1. Research: Research the three chosen atomic models, identifying their main characteristics and differences between them.

2. Planning: Sketch how you intend to create each model, identifying which materials will be needed.

3. Construction of Models: Use the styrofoam balls to represent protons, neutrons, and electrons (you can paint them in different colors to distinguish each particle) and assemble the atoms according to each studied model. Use the barbecue sticks to structure and fix the parts of the atom.

4. Presentation: Prepare a brief presentation for the class, explaining the characteristics of each model and how they evolved over time.

5. Report: After completing the practical activity, the group should write a report, with the following topics:

   1. Introduction: Contextualization of the theme, its relevance and application in the real world, and the project's objective.
   2. Development: Explanation of the theory of the chosen atomic models, detailing the practical activity, presenting the methodology used, and discussing the results obtained.
   3. Conclusions: Recap of the main points of the project, learning acquired, and conclusions about the activity.
   4. Bibliography: Indication of the books, web pages, videos, among other resources used to carry out the project.

This project should be carried out over a week, with each student dedicating between two to four hours of work.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, the groups must deliver:

1. The constructed atomic models, which will be used in the presentation to the class.
2. The presentation itself, where the group should explain to the class the main aspects of each of the atomic models and how they contributed to the evolution of atomic theory.
3. The written report, which should reflect the work done in the project, including the choice and construction of the models, the research carried out to support the activity, and the conclusions that the group reached after completing the project.

By the end of this project, students should have acquired not only substantive knowledge about atomic evolution but also important skills such as teamwork, time management, effective communication, and critical thinking.