Atom Secrets 1: Atoms & the Periodic Table of Elements ( STEM / STEAM Chemistry)

Taken by over 1200 students and with over 180 5-star ratings, this innovative course utilizes appealing cartoon Atom Cards, hands-on atom drawing activities and engaging interactive presentations to take young learners on a journey into the amazing world of atoms, subatomic particles, molecules and the Periodic Table of Elements! High school-level chemistry concepts are introduced in a gradual, visual way that makes it easy for young learners to understand and enjoy.

The course materials include 54 full-color Atom Flash Cards, created by Quantum Physics for Kids and provided as free printable PDFs! These appealing cards are designed by Pixar film artist Glenn Kim (whose film credits include The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc). A free printable illustrated Periodic Table of Elements is also provided - the only Periodic Table on the market that illustrates the outer valence electron structure for each atomic element, visually showing the electron patterns of the Periodic Table in a way that is easy for young learners to grasp. In addition, full-color printable Review Worksheets are provided after each session to encourage students to apply what they've learned. 

The course introduces learners to all the atomic elements, while exploring advanced concepts such as electron orbitals, covalent and ionic molecular bonds, and the structure of the Periodic Table. Why is the Periodic Table shaped the way it is? Students learn the atomic "secrets" behind the underlying logic of the Periodic Table, and how to read it. 

The first class session introduces students to the formation of atoms, the building blocks of all matter in the universe, from their beginnings in the Big Bang to the formation of heavier atoms in stars and supernovas. ALL atoms come from stars! We'll also reveal the hidden structure of the Periodic Table of Elements, which describes each atom's ability to form molecules in an incredibly simple, elegant and visual way - if you know how to decipher it. We'll draw electron orbitals and learn about the importance of the outer "valence" electron shell. We'll use fun "cartoon" atom cards designed by the instructor for the elements from 1-54 (provided as PDF handouts). This class covers the atomic elements Hydrogen (1) to Neon (10), the first two rows of the Periodic Table, as well as significant molecules formed from these atoms, such as water and carbon dioxide. 

In Session 2-4, we'll explore covalent and ionic molecular bonding and unique characteristics of atoms, along with important molecules that they form. We'll also introduce the concept of suborbitals (s, p, d, f). Throughout the class, the various atoms and molecules will be linked to practical uses in life and modern technology. 

Class sessions includes a wide variety of sensory activities, including atom drawing lessons, Atom Card activities, educational presentations, question-and-answer games, visual aids, demonstrations, student discussion and humorous quizzes. We'll be varying activity types often to keep students engaged. 

To summarize, each session will focus on specific atoms and rows of the Periodic Table:
Session 1: Rows 1-2, Hydrogen (1) to Neon (10) 
Session 2: Row 3, Sodium (11) to Argon (18)
Session 3: Row 4, Potassium (19) to Krypton (36)
Session 4: Row 5, Rubidium (37) to Xenon (54), plus overview of structure for the remaining Periodic Table elements

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Standards met by this course:
Middle School - MS-PS1-1: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
High School - HS-PS1-1: Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.

Note: We offer 3 courses in our "Atom Secrets" series, gradually exploring more complex chemistry topics in an approachable, kid-friendly way. The courses in the Atom Secrets series are:
- Atoms Secrets 1: Atoms & the Periodic Table of Elements Course (this course; it is the suggested pre-requisite for the 2 courses listed below)
- Atom Secrets: Hands-On Molecule Model Building and Molecular Exploration!
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-secrets-hands-on-molecule-model-building-stemsteam-chemistry-oAccsxUx?refuid=9fIT1FTd
- Atom Secrets: Hands-on Chemical Reaction Experiments
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-secrets-hands-on-chemical-reaction-experiments-stem-steam-course-vbaqDsgr?refuid=9fIT1FTd

The latter 2 courses (Chemical Reactions and Molecule Building) can be taken in any order, as long as Atom Secrets 1 has already been taken to provide foundational knowledge. 

These 3 courses are also available as a semester-long course (16 sessions), at the link below:
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-secrets-levels-1-4-semester-course-hkYHq2xP