The Sun provides the context for learners to apply their knowledge of atomic structure
The Sun is our star. Most stars in our galaxy, including the Sun, are 74% hydrogen, 24% helium with the other 2% being made up of other elements such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.
About this resource
This Stretch and challenge resource takes learners beyond the curriculum and asks them to use their knowledge of atomic structure in the context of the Sun. Applying knowledge in different contexts builds their confidence and capability to face exam questions. A mixture of multiple-choice, short answer and long-answer questions cover the following topics:
- isotopes of hydrogen
- loss of electrons and combining nuclei
- fusion reactions and heavy water
- forming heavier elements (higher only).
Calculation questions are included to give opportunities to practise mathematical skills within this topic. The worksheets are available at foundation and higher level and as fully-editable versions, giving you the flexibility to select the questions most relevant to a particular lesson.
Find more Knowledge check and In context resources in our collection of Organic chemistry worksheets.
Downloads
Atomic structure and the Sun stretch and challenge student (foundation)
Handout | PDF, Size 0.56 mbAtomic structure and the Sun stretch and challenge student (higher)
Handout | PDF, Size 0.53 mbAtomic structure and the Sun stretch and challenge teacher answers
Handout | PDF, Size 0.27 mbAtomic structure and the Sun stretch and challenge student (foundation)
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.84 mbAtomic structure and the Sun stretch and challenge student (higher)
Editable handout | Word, Size 5.68 mbAtomic structure and the Sun stretch and challenge teacher answers
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.14 mb
- Prepare(5)
Ideas5 ways to teach atomic structure at 14–16
Secure your learners’ understanding of this core topic with these teacher-tested strategies
CPD articleHow to teach atomic structure at 14–16
Strengthen your students’ grasp of the atom and electronic configurations with these models and strategies
IdeasModel atomic structure with playdough
Engage your learners with these fun, tactile ideas and models
CPD articleUse post-16 atomic models to inform 14–16 understanding
It’ll help minimise unhelpful misconceptions too
MisconceptionsChemical misconceptions I: Chemical structure
Explore the structure of atoms, and get a clearer idea of how to present atoms to learners through analogy.
- Deliver(7)
PosterEverything you need to teach the structure of the atom
With this poster and fact sheet, your 14–16 learners will soon know their electrons from their protons
ResourceIsotopes of hydrogen | Johnstone’s triangle | 14–16 years
Use this worksheet to develop learners’ understanding of atoms and isotopes by considering ‘heavy water’ ice cubes
ResourceAtoms and isotopes | Developing Understanding | 14–16
Encourage learners to deepen their understanding of isotopes from the macroscopic to sub-microscopic level
ResourceAtomic structure of lithium | Johnstone’s triangle worksheets | 14–16 years
Use these worksheets to develop learners’ understanding of atomic structure, using the example of lithium
ResourceAtomic structure | Developing Understanding | 14–16 years
Encourage learners to think about how the atomic structure is represented and what this means at the sub-microscopic level
ResourceStructure of the atom | Structure strip | 14–16 years
Support learners to recall and write about the properties of subatomic particles and the structure of an atom
PosterHow to draw electron configuration diagrams
Use this step-by-step to get your 14–16 students drawing electron configuration diagrams confidently
- Literacy(3)
ResourceAtomic model | Key terms support | 14–16
Language support pack for atomic model, with key terms list, accessible glossary, Frayer models and unscrambling definitions
ResourceAtomic model | Reading comprehension | 14–16 years
Use this reading comprehension based on a real science research news story to develop literacy skills and confidence
ResourceAtomic model | Structured talk | 14–16 years
In this speaking and listening task learners work together to build word bridges, building and sharing understanding of the atomic model
- Assess(2)
ResourceAtomic structure | Knowledge check | 14–16
Assess learning on atomic structure with a higher and foundation worksheet
currently reading
ExtensionAtomic structure and the Sun | Stretch and challenge | 14–16
Stretch learners’ understanding of atomic structure using the context of the Sun
- Enrich(9)
Games and puzzlesAtomic structure | Gridlocks puzzle | 14–16 years
Reinforce your students’ understanding of atomic structure using these sudoku-style puzzles, with printable worksheets and answers
Games and puzzlesSubatomic particles | Gridlocks puzzle | 14–16 years
Reinforce your students’ understanding of subatomic particles using these sudoku-style puzzles, with printable worksheets and answers
NewsResearch reveals the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs
Isotopes help to identify the type of asteroid responsible for the catastrophic event that made dinosaurs extinct
Job profileChemistry engineer, nuclear
Beth monitors the water quality at the construction site of a new nuclear power plant
NewsScientists discover the heaviest oxygen isotope
Help learners delve into atomic structure and isotopes with this research context
NewsHigh pressure forces heavy hydrogen to act like a metal
Explore metallic bonding and isotopes with this latest research looking at metallic hydrogen
AnecdoteOn This Day - Feb 18 : Introduction of isotope
British chemist Frederick Soddy coined the term isotope (from the Greek, meaning ‘in the same place’) to describe different elements that can be chemically indistinguishable but have different atomic weights and characteristics.
NewsPeriodic table of the isotopes launched by IUPAC
IUPAC has launched a new periodic table which emphasises isotopic composition
No comments yet