| Lesson start ideas | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Science |
| What age group | College |
| What topic | atoms |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Welcome to our science lesson about atoms! We will explore the tiny world of atoms and understand how they influence everything around us.
Have you ever wondered why matter exists in different forms such as solids, liquids, and gases? Have you ever thought about how different elements form molecules and compounds? If so, you're in the right place!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
To start, let's have a quick pre-class activity. Take a minute to observe your surroundings and identify three objects made up of different elements. Write them down on a sheet of paper. We will revisit this activity later in the lesson.
To begin, let's define what an atom is. An atom is the basic building block of matter and the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.
Atoms consist of three different components: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons have a negative charge. The number of protons in an atom defines the element it is.
Molecules are formed when atoms of the same or different elements combine. For example, water is a molecule that is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Different isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This results in different atomic masses. Isotopes play a crucial role in fields such as medicine and biology.
In conclusion, atoms are the foundation of all matter and understanding of them unlocks the secrets of the world around us. Congratulations on completing this introductory lesson on atoms. Remember the pre-class activity we started with? Take a look at your list again, have your perspective on those objects changed? Keep exploring!