Carolina ChemKits®: Atomic Theory Kit

Grades 9-12. In this experiment, students simulate the experiments of J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, and James Chadwick to understand the early model of the atom.
1st - Students observe the interaction of charged objects and use an object of known charge to determine the unknown charge of an object.
2nd - Students shoot marbles at a concealed object and use the trajectory to determine its shape.
3rd - Students attempt to account for the additional mass of a sealed container, otherwise identical to their unsealed container.
 
These activities review the major ideas behind the experiments that determined the early structure of the atom. Materials are sufficient for 32 students working in groups of 4.