Counting Subatomic Particles

A full lesson resource teaching students how to use the periodic table (mass number and atomic number) to count the numbers of subatomic particles in an atom. This lesson also covers the definition of “isotopes”. This lesson also dual codes this information with atomic diagrams and periodic table squares to cement student understanding of where these numbers come from, while also being a great support for EAL and SEN students. Great for “I do, we do, you do” activities and can be easily added to and extended if more examples and practice are needed by a given class.

Lesson contains:

• Lesson powerpoint, including whole class whiteboard AFL activities, core hinge/thinking questions, full answers and notes to aid in lesson delievery and structure
• Student worksheet
• Exam style questions with mark scheme

Lesson Objectives:

1. Know what the numbers on the periodic table mean
2. Use the periodic table to count the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom
3. Predict atomic number and mass number from the numbers of subatomic particles
4. Define the term “isotope” and identify examples of them