Atomic Models

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In this activity, learners explore how atoms are arranged inside materials and how those arrangements can affect a material’s properties. Using small and large candies (or ball bearings) as model atoms, learners shake a bowl to see how the “atoms” move, line up in patterns, and change when different-sized atoms are mixed together. The candy model helps learners picture some of the atomic-scale patterns scientists study with microscopes.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 cup small round candies, all one color (or small plastic BBs)
  • ¼ cup large round candies, all one color (or larger plastic BBs)
  • Large kitchen bowl

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Source Collection

  • Mission Materials Science

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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