Number 1: The Atoms Family Song--No idea who wrote it (if anyone knows, please share that info with me) It's catchy, I tell ya!
The Atoms Family Song
They're tiny and they're teeny,
Much smaller than a beany,
They never can be seeny,
The Atoms Family
CHORUS:
They are so small (snap, snap)
They're round like a ball (snap, snap)
They make up the air.
They're everywhere.
Can't see them at all.
Together they make gases,
And liquids like molasses,
And all the solid masses,
The Atoms Family
CHORUS
Neutrons hang around,
Where protons can be found;
Electrons circle round
The Atoms Family
CHORUS
Second: We built atoms out of paper plates, mini M&Ms, and Captain Crunch's Oops! All Berries. They looked at a periodic table and chose an atom they wanted to represent with the materials in front of them. They had to work out the color combinations too! There were only two colors of mini M&Ms at WalMart, so they had to use their thinking caps and work it out amongst their teammates. Afterwards, we did a fair share lesson with the leftovers and ate those protons, neutrons, and electrons right up! BTW, this model is NOT TO SCALE, but gives them the idea. The important thing is that they know the protons and neutrons are in the middle, creating the nucleus (with the same number) and the electrons move around the outside (same number). Just something fun to do!
Third: We made a human atom. I printed of 10 of each: P, N, and E and photocopied them onto different colored paper. Here is our human nitron atom: (notice the electrons are running around the outside in wild abandon). They had a blast!

Love your human atom! I see my class doing that on Friday!
ReplyDeleteLove all of this! I always hate teaching about atoms because they are so abstract to the students. These ideas really help. Thanks for sharing! Lattes and Laughter
ReplyDeleteLove both of the atom models you made - the paper plate with m&ms and cereal, and the human one. What great engaging activities.
ReplyDeleteLOVE these ideas! I will definitely be doing these when I get to atoms. Thanks a bunch for sharing.
ReplyDelete4everateacher.blogspot.com
Cannot wait to use these awesome ideas!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to use these awesome ideas!
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi!! I am your newest follower.. so glad I found your blog, I am a 4th grade teacher :) I love the Atom's Family song, I was cracking up singing it! Hope you can check out my blog sometime!
ReplyDeleteLaura http://lovetoteach123.blogspot.com
I love reading your blog and finding new ideas about teaching. Love the model of the atoms with the paper plates. Did a version of this last year where students made playdough balls and then could make a variety of different models as instructed.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this!! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Think, Wonder, & Teach
Wow! Great activities! Almost makes me wish I taught 5th grade....okay, not really. :) Just found your adorable blog - love it!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Teaching Maddeness
I love the Atoms Family Song! A fellow teacher shared this with me last year and the kids really liked it. It definitely helps students understand some atomic basics! Even my 6th graders (who can sometimes be "too cool" for classroom songs) were more than willing to go along. Here is the link that I have for the file. http://sciencespot.net/Media/atomsfam.pdf Check it out for some addition information and a worksheet to go along with the song. Happy Teaching :)
ReplyDeleteKate Wright
Sounds like so much fun! Science is so easy to make exciting! Found you through the VA Teacher Bloggers FB page!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Reading Toward the Stars
Fabulous ideas! I used to dread this unit....not anymore. The song is already stuck in my head! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute and fun! Great ideas! I am your newest follower and look forward to reading more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
AWE-SOME!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJanaye
Tales of Frogs and Cupcakes
Did you have a worksheet that goes with this?
ReplyDeleteThis was awesome! I'm a home educating mom with a science co-op for 3rd to 5th grade kids. I can't wait to sing the Atom's Family with them and if we have time after our whole lesson on Atoms, Molecules and Polymers go outside and build a human atom. You are inspiring. Thanks!
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