Download Atomic Theory WebQuest

Atomic Theory WebQuest
Name: ______________________________
Period: ________
The websites for research can be found at: http://www.jmolds.k12.nf.ca/
This is a condensed version of what will be seen online. Follow ONLY these instructions!!!
Introduction
The development of atomic models has been a continuous progression throughout history. Dalton,
Thomson, Rutherford and Bohr were four scientists who made major contributions to our
understanding of atoms. Each proposed a "changed" model of the atom that was based on current
and previous research. Each new discovery dealing with the nature of the atom lead to new atomic
model.
During this webquest, you will learn the history of the atomic models developed by Dalton, Thomson,
Rutherford and Bohr. In reconstructing history it is a major objective that you will develop a greater
understanding of the aspects of the nature of science, a component which is often forgotten in science
education.
Task
You will explore the development of atomic models. You will learn about the atom, how the concept of
the atom has changed over time and how this illustrates several aspects of the nature of science.
You will research and answer questions in relation to the development of the atomic models for each
of the following scientists. After you have answered the questions, each person will construct a chart,
displaying all 4 of the various atomic models (1 per quarter page). Each model should be labeled.
Scientists
John Dalton
Sir Joseph John Thomson
Sir Ernest Rutherford
Niels Bohr
Process
Use the listed websites to answer the questions below about each scientist and their atomic model.
John Dalton
In what period of time did he live?
What is his country of origin?
What was his profession?
Describe his model of the atom?
Were his beliefs accepted by society at the time?
What were the four basic ideas (more may be listed) of John Dalton's Theory?
1.
2.
3.
4.
How did John Dalton's discovery of the atom change our view of the atom or it's properties?
How did his approach differ from wharf we call the "scientific method"?
J. J. Thomson
In what period of time did he live?
What is his country of origin?
When did he conduct his experiment?
What was he studying?
Summarize his experiment (what he did and what was discovered)
Describe his model of the atom
Were his beliefs accepted by society at that time?
Ernest Rutherford
In what period of time did he live?
What is his country of origin?
When did he conduct his experiment?
What was he trying to prove with his experiment?
Summarize his experiment ( what he did and what he discovered).
Why was he surprised by his experimental results?
How did his results fit with Thomson's view of the atom?
Describe his model of the atom.
Were his beliefs accepted by society at that time?
Neils Bohr
In what period of time did he live?
What is his country of origin?
When did he conduct his experiment?
Summarize his experiment( What he did and what he discovered).
Describe his model of the atom
Since electrons and protons are oppositely charged, the electrons should be attached to the
nucleus.How did Bohr explain that this does not occur?
Were his beliefs accepted by society at that time?
How did Bohr overcome the problem with the Rutherford model of the atom?