Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table.

Driving question: "How do subatomic particle arrangements and valence electrons dictate the chemical properties and periodic grouping of elements?" Objective: Construct physical models of neutral atoms and ions, calculate subatomic particle numbers from periodic tiles, and test chemical reactivity trends across periodic groups.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (1 set of colored atomic model chips…; 1 laminated periodic table reference…; 4 element test samples: copper wire,…; 1 low-voltage battery-powered LED…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 620 words (~4 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.