Science: Week 1

Topic: Mass and Atoms

Today in class, the children and I discussed a few things about matter and atoms. Some key points were:
*Chemistry is the study of matter
*Matter is everywhere. All living and non-living things are made of matter.
*An atom is the fundamental unit of matter
*The main particles of an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons
*The center of an atom is called a nucleus
*Protons are positive, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negative
*Although protons and neutrons are larger in size compared to electrons, electrons take up more space because of their movement. The children demonstrated this by making an atom with a hula hoop for the nucleus, and themselves for the protons, neutrons, and electrons. :)

We also sang a song called, "The Atoms Family". Here are the lyrics, in case your child would like to sing it at home... or was too embarrassed to sing it in class. ;)

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.
(snap, snap)

VERSE 1:

They're tiny and they're teeny,
Much smaller then a beeny
They never can be seeny,
The Atoms Family. 

(Chorus)

VERSE 2:

Together they make gases,
And liquids like molasses,
And all the solid masses,
The Atoms Family

(Chorus)

VERSE 3:

Neutrons can be found,
Where protons hang around;
Electrons they surround
The Atoms Family

(Chorus)

Ideas for continuing this lesson at home:
Make a 3-D atom
http://science-mattersblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/atoms-atom-models.html?m=1
Start a lapbook
 http://homeschoolandthings.blogspot.com/2013/05/atoms-molecules-and-elements-lapbook.html
Make an atom on a paper plate with M&M's. :)

Homework:
Finish labeling your helium atom if you did not complete it in class.
Study the Q & A from CCM Science, Week 1