atom A View of the Atom atom

       Throughout history, we have records of people who wondered what made up matter. Although it is difficult for many people to visualize, all matter is made up of small pieces of material called atoms. If you asked several people to describe or diagram the general appearance of an atom, you would get many different responses. In fact, some scientists would also have varying opinions. How do we describe something we cannot see? What do you think an atom looks like?

Atom Ant
Is this an atom?
Atom?
How about this?
Atomic Sleuth

Our current view of the atom is the result of historical investigations and modern experimental results.

  From the following list choose a scientist to reseach:

  • Democritus
  • John Dalton
  • J.J. Thomson
  • Ernst Rutherford
  • Marie Curie
  • Max Planck
  • Albert Einstein
  • Neils Bohr
  • Louis de Broglie
  • Werner Heisenberg
  • Erwin Schrodinger
  • Murray Gell-Mann
  • Leon Lederman
Here are some possible links you could use to help with your research:

 
Democritus
link 1
John Dalton
link 1    link 2
J.J. Thomson
link1
Ernst Rutherford
link 1    link 2
Marie Curie
link 1      link 2
Max Planck
link 1
Albert Einstein
link 1    link 2    link 3
Neils Bohr
link 1    link 2
Louis de Broglie
link 1
Werner Heisenberg
link 1    link 2
Erwin Schrodinger
link 1
Murray Gell-Mann
link 1
Leon Lederman
link 1
 

These two links have information on all the above scientists. You will need to do a search on the website to find your chosen scientist.

Encarta

Eric's Treasure Trove

Life, the Universe, and the Electron

For your chosen scientist, answer the following questions:

  1. In what country or countries did the scientist live and work?
  2. When was the scientist born? If no longer living, when did he or she die?
  3. What political events were taking place during the scientists life? What was the style of dress?
    What did the lab facilities look like?
  4. What area or areas of science did the scientist study?
  5. Summarize the scientist's contributions to a view of the atomic structure. How did his or her findings help our modern view of the atom?
  6. What are some important or interesting facts about the scientist?
Using Your Research
With the information that you now have make a presentation to your class. You could come in costume to give the report. You could work with other students to make a panel of Distinguished Scientists, each student presenting or debating his or her contributions to our view of the atom. Another alternative would be to present the information as if it were a television special. Whether you use one of these suggestions or another type of presentation, be creative.