This chemistry-themed Camp explores atoms, subatomic particles, molecules and the Periodic Table of Elements, over four 50-minute sessions held Monday-Thursday. This Camp introduces students to 54 atomic elements, while exploring advanced concepts such as electron orbitals, covalent and ionic molecular bonds, and the structural organization of the Periodic Table. The course offers a fun and engaging introduction to STEM fields, specifically chemistry and quantum physics! 

The included course materials include 54 full-color Atom Flash Cards, posted in the Classroom as printable PDFs, designed by Pixar animation artist Glenn Kim (whose film credits include The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc). A full-color printable illustrated Periodic Table of Elements is also provided - the only Periodic Table available that illustrates the outer valence electron structure for each element. In addition, Review Handouts are provided for each class session. These printable resources are included with course registration and can be downloaded from the Classroom (printing is optional). Professionally-printed Atom Cards and Periodic Table Posters are also available for purchase separately.

(Please note: This camp if equivalent to the 4-week course of the same name, but condensed into a 1 week format). 

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). Session 1 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. 

The course includes a wide variety of sensory activities, including educational presentation, in-class drawing activity, question-and-answer, short instructional videos, discussion, visual aids and fun 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

This camp is the first in our Atom Camp series. The other Atom Camps are listed below:
Atom Camp 2: Exploring Molecules & Chemical Reactions
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-camp-2-exploring-molecules-chemical-reactions-1-week-mon-thurs-3eWMgEXP
Atom Camp 3: Hands-On Molecule Building and Molecular Exploration
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-camp-3-hands-on-molecule-building-and-molecular-exploration-TXjbbDyt#us9fIT1FTd