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This unit reviews the structure of the atom through experiments with a NetLogo model that simulates Rutherford’s gold foil experiment. The model allows students to shoot alpha particles at a gold foil and observe any changes in the path of the alpha particles. The model initially simulates Thomson’s Plum Pudding model of an atom, with the goal of having students modify the model to act like Rutherford’s gold foil experiment in Lesson 3. Students will learn how computer models are built and used as testbeds to run simulation experiments.
Students will interpret the code in the model and then compare it with what they know about those processes in the natural world. They will argue from evidence using the Claim , Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework to assess the validity of the model. Finally, students will modify the model to match their understanding of processes and/or answer new questions.
Resources available:
- Student materials in Google Documents
- Teacher guide in PDF with pacing guide and standards
- Teacher workbook with answer keys