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Student Investigation Sheet
Modeling Atoms
In this investigation you will create a model to show the different parts of an atom. You will develop an understanding
that matter is subdivided into atoms which are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Safety Precautions:
Always be careful not to poke others with toothpicks and keep them away from your eyes.
Objective(s):
In this investigation, you will develop an understanding that matter can be subdivided into particles called atoms that
are too small to see with our eyes.
Materials:
Per pair:
periodic table
clay, rolled into small balls
ssmall foam balls
spray paint, red and blue
glue
toothpicks
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Safety Concerns
Key Question
What is the question you want to answer?
Directions: Write the question for the investigation. The
question should be specific and investigable.
Key Components
Specific (one general thought, does not combine two or more
questions)
Is able to be investigated
Identify any safety equipment and concerns that need to be observed in this lab.
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Hypothesis
What do you predict will be the result of the investigation?
Directions: Develop a claim about what you think is going to
happen.
Key Components
Expresses a cause-and-effect relationship
Is testable
Incorporates prior knowledge
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Plan
How will you investigate the question?
Directions: Describe the plan that you will use to study your
question and analyze your hypothesis.
Key Components
Plan is easily repeatable by others
Plan describes the use of materials
Plan is in a logical order
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Data
What evidence was gathered during the investigation?
Directions: Record all of the evidence that has been collected.
Use graphic organizers, tables, and graphs when appropriate.
Key Components
Data (from an investigation and/or other sources, such as
observations, reading material, archived date, etc.)
Appropriate (data applies directly to the question)
Sufficient (uses enough data to completely answer the question and
determine a finding on the hypothesis)
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Conclusion
What did you learn from this investigation?
Directions: Develop a conclusion for your investigation. The
conclusion should contain clear thoughts and proper
vocabulary. This section focuses on the answer to your
question. It should support or refute the hypothesis by using
logical reasoning to link the hypothesis to the data.
Key Components
Use precise and accurate language
Use scientific vocabulary
Provide clear logical thoughts
Use evidence and reasoning to support or refute the hypothesis
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Analysis and Conclusions
1. What is an atom? What was the importance of building a model of an atom, and what does it show us?
2. What are the different parts of an atom? Where are they located inside the atom?
3. How did your atom compare to those of your classmates? How are they similar? How are they different?