CONCORDIA COLLEGE, INC.

Integrated Basic Education Department

SY 2024-2025

Introduction
Atoms are the tiny building blocks that make up everything around us, from the air we breathe to
the food we eat. But did you know that our understanding of the atom has changed dramatically over
time? Thousands of years ago, philosophers like Democritus believed that if you kept cutting matter into
smaller and smaller pieces, you’d reach a point where it couldn’t be divided anymore—this smallest piece,
he called "atomos," or "indivisible."

Core Content
Long ago, in ancient Greece, philosophers like Democritus wondered what everything was
made of. He had a curious idea that if you kept cutting something in half, you would eventually reach a
tiny, unbreakable piece he called "atomos," or the "indivisible." But this was just an idea, without any
experiments to prove it.

Centuries later, in the 1800s, an English scientist named John Dalton revived the idea, but with
a twist: he suggested that these “atoms” were unique for each element, like tiny Lego blocks of matter,
each a different type. Dalton thought atoms were solid and indivisible, just as Democritus had imagined.
His theory helped explain why water was always made of two hydrogens and one oxygen – the atoms
always combined in fixed ways.

However, in 1897, another scientist, J.J. Thomson, made a surprising discovery. He was
experimenting with cathode rays and found negatively charged particles within the atom, which he called
"electrons." Dalton’s solid atoms suddenly seemed less solid, as Thomson proposed that atoms were like
“plum pudding” – a positively charged “soup” with electrons scattered throughout, like raisins in pudding.

But the journey didn’t end there. In 1909, Ernest Rutherford and his students shot tiny
particles at thin gold foil, expecting them to pass through without any trouble. Instead, some bounced
right back! Rutherford realized that atoms had a dense center he called the nucleus, with electrons orbiting
like planets around the Sun. This was a radical change – atoms were mostly empty space with a solid core!

Then, in 1913, Niels Bohr refined Rutherford's model, suggesting that electrons orbited the
nucleus in specific paths or “energy levels.” Bohr’s model explained how atoms could absorb and release
light in unique colors, much like a neon sign. However, scientists eventually found that even Bohr's model
was incomplete.

In the 1920s, the final step came with the Quantum Mechanical Model. Scientists like
Schrödinger and Heisenberg discovered that electrons didn’t orbit in neat paths but existed in “clouds” of
probability. They realized that you couldn’t pinpoint the exact location of an electron but could only
predict where it might be. This strange, abstract idea gave us the most accurate model of the atom we have
today.

The journey to understanding the atom has been filled with changes, surprises, and revisions.
With each discovery, scientists moved closer to the truth, showing us that science is a story of constant
exploration and revision.

Activity 1. Timeline of the past

Instructions:

Create your own timeline about the history of an atom.

5th Century BCE - Democritus

• Concept: Greek philosopher Democritus proposes that matter is made up of small,

indivisible particles called “atomos,” meaning “uncuttable.”
• Importance: Introduces the idea that all matter is composed of tiny, fundamental particles,
though without experimental evidence.

1803 - John Dalton

• Concept: Dalton proposes his atomic theory, suggesting that atoms are indivisible, that
each element consists of identical atoms, and that compounds are combinations of different
atoms.
• Importance: First scientific atomic theory, based on experiments, establishing atoms as the
basic units of matter.

1897 - J.J. Thomson

• Concept: Discovery of the electron using cathode ray experiments; he proposes the “plum
pudding” model, where negatively charged electrons are scattered within a positively charged
sphere.
• Importance: Reveals that atoms are not indivisible but have internal structure.

1909 - Ernest Rutherford

• Concept: Through the gold foil experiment, Rutherford discovers the nucleus, showing that
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 atoms consist of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons.
• Importance: Refines the atomic model, introducing the nuclear structure and replacing
Thomson’s model.

1913 - Niels Bohr

• Concept: Bohr proposes a model where electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels
or shells, preventing them from spiraling into the nucleus.
• Importance: Introduces quantized orbits for electrons, combining atomic structure with
early quantum theory.

1926 - Erwin Schrödinger

• Concept: Develops quantum mechanical model, describing electron positions as probability

clouds rather than fixed orbits.
• Importance: Establishes the modern understanding of the atom, where electrons exist in
orbitals defined by probability distributions.

1932 - James Chadwick

• Concept: Discovery of the neutron, a neutrally charged particle in the nucleus.

• Importance: Completes the basic understanding of atomic structure by identifying all
subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons).

1940s - Development of Quantum Field Theory

• Concept: Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and later Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)

provide insights into particle interactions and the forces binding subatomic particles.
• Importance: Expands atomic theory by explaining the forces and interactions governing
particle behavior within atoms.

1950s - Present: Particle Physics and the Standard Model

• Concept: Discovery of fundamental particles like quarks and leptons; atoms are made of
protons and neutrons, which themselves consist of quarks.
• Importance: Shows that protons and neutrons are not indivisible, leading to the current
Standard Model of particle physics.

This timeline traces the gradual shift from a philosophical concept of atoms to a complex,
evidence-based model that incorporates quantum mechanics and subatomic particles. Each step
reflects a deeper understanding of matter’s fundamental structure.

Activity 2. Atom Dating Profile

Instructions:

Create a dating profile for your assigned scientist. The profile should include:
Name: Chosen Scientist in History of an Atom
Picture: A drawing of the Scientist / Model
Bio/ Description: A brief description of the Scientist / model
Fun Facts: Any interesting or unique characteristics of the mentioned scientist and proposed work
Name: Niels Bohr

Picture:
Bio/Description:

Hey there! I’m Niels, a theoretical physicist with a knack for cracking the mysteries of atomic
structure. Known for the Bohr Model, I’ve spent my life exploring the orbits of electrons
around the nucleus, one energy level at a time. If you’re into quantum leaps and a blend of logic
and imagination, we might just click.

Fun Facts:
•I was the first to propose that electrons have specific orbits, preventing them from spiraling
into the nucleus.
•Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for my atomic model.
•Known to engage in lively debates, especially with my fellow physicist buddy, Albert
Einstein.
•My contributions helped pave the way for quantum mechanics, which means I enjoy seeing
things from many perspectives!

Guide Questions:

1. Analyze the progression of atomic models from Dalton to the Quantum Mechanical Model. How did
each new discovery challenge the model that came before it, and what does this suggest about the
nature of scientific knowledge? The progression of atomic models from Dalton’s to the Quantum
Mechanical Model shows how scientific knowledge is built upon continual questioning,
discovery, and revision. Each model, developed through new experimental evidence and
theoretical advancements, both challenged and refined the understanding of atoms, highlighting
the iterative nature of scientific inquiry.
2. Imagine you are J.J. Thomson, having just discovered the electron within the atom. Based on what you
know about atomic models, what predictions might you make about other possible components of
the atom? How would you plan to test these predictions with the technology available at your time?
As J.J. Thomson, having just discovered the electron, I would predict that the atom must
contain additional components to balance the negatively charged electrons, suggesting a
positive element within the atom to account for its overall neutral charge.
Rubrics for Grading

Activity 1. Timeline of the Past

Includes all major events with clear descriptions, covering all required
Completion (10%)
information and providing context for each event.

All dates, facts, and descriptions are accurate, showing thorough

Accuracy (5%)
research and attention to detail.

Timeline shows exceptional creativity, using unique visuals, colors, and

Creativity (5%)
elements that enhance engagement and understanding.

Events are organized in a clear, logical sequence, and the timeline flows
Clarity and Organization (5%)
well, making it easy to follow and understand.

Activity 2. Atom Dating Profile

Includes all key details about the atom: identity, characteristics

(protons, neutrons, electrons), and atomic model. Clearly explains the
Understanding (15%)
atom's "personality" based on its model (e.g., Rutherford’s nucleus-
centered structure or Bohr’s energy levels).

Profile is exceptionally creative, using humor, personality traits,

Creativity (5%) and/or "likes/dislikes" that relate well to atomic behavior or history.
Shows a unique perspective on the atom.

Information is well-organized, with a clear flow that makes the profile

Structure and Flow (5%)
easy and enjoyable to read. Each section transitions smoothly.

MODULE 2.1.History of an Atom: The Journey to Understanding the Atom