Atoms: size, scale and nanoscience | 14-16 years

In this activity, students are invited to imagine the unimaginable – how small an atom is – and are introduced to the concept of nanoscience. They begin with a thought experiment about size, leading to the idea that atoms are extraordinarily small, but they do exist.

Consolidating their understanding of how elements relate to atoms, students reflect on the sizes of atoms found in different elements.