Bohr Models are a cornerstone of understanding atomic structure. But they can be kind of tricky to teach and understand. The abstract nature of electron orbits and energy levels can easily leave students confused. It can even be tough to communicate how they are constructed. Here are some tips to help you teach Bohr models! And if you’re looking for a comprehensive, ready-to-use resource, my guided notes lesson on Bohr Models might be just what you need.
Start with the Basics: Review Atomic Structure and the Rutherford Model
Before diving into Bohr Models, make sure your students have a firm understanding of basic atomic structure. A quick review can set the stage for a more in-depth discussion about how electrons are arranged in energy levels around the nucleus. I tend to focus on the attraction between protons and electrons. Use this free Atomic Structure Graphic Organizer to make sure your students have proper background knowledge.
Well, actually I like to talk about how Bohr corrected the Rutherford model. In the Rutherford model, electrons were sort of loose within the atom. Bohr pointed out they should be attracted to the nucleus, so he “locked them in place” in orbits. But electrons also repel each other, so the electrons must be organized in order for this to work!
Use the Periodic Table
The Periodic Table is more than just a data dump. If you really know how to read it, it can tell you A LOT about chemistry and the nature of atoms. My guided notes lesson focuses on using the Periodic Table to help students draw and interpret their diagrams.
Period Number
Considering a single element, the Period Number corresponds to the number of energy levels. So let’s take a look at aluminum. Al is found in Period 3, meaning around its nucleus, there should be 3 energy levels. So after drawing the nucleus, we would draw 3 electron levels.
Depth in the Period
The number of elements in the period tells you how many electrons fit in the corresponding energy level. So looking at period 1, there are 2 elements, H and He. This indicates 2 electrons should be drawn in level 1. Then in period 2 there are 8 elements from Li to Ne. Energy level 2 should hold 8 electrons. At this point, our aluminum atom should have 2 full energy levels and an empty third.
Now we look at period 3. Count how many elements until we get to aluminum. Al is the third in the period, meaning it should have 3 electrons in that energy level. Surprise! that also corresponds to the group number! I like to sort of leave that as an Easter egg, and “something cool” that happens. Al is a little weird because it has 13 electrons, and is in group 13. Not the best example to use with students if you ask me. But it works for me explaining to you because you get it!
Break Down Electron Configurations
Use a few different atoms to help students to build out their own Bohr diagrams. Start them off with some small and simple atoms and work your way up to trickier ones. I wouldn’t go beyond calcium due to the D-shift which kind of makes things a little weird later on. It’s a real pain to teach something and then have to switch it up later. Using the Bohr Models guided notes is great because it outlines each step clearly. Students are able to fill in just a few words and spend most of their class time practicing their drawings.
Reinforce Learning with Repetition
Repetition is key in mastering Bohr Models. Once you’ve taught the basic concept, have students practice by drawing Bohr Models whenever you get the chance. Revisit these models in different contexts, such as when discussing chemical bonding or periodic trends, to reinforce the concept. I like to do it quite a bit when we get to intermolecular forces, especially when talking about dispersion forces.
Encourage Student Communication
Once students begin to grasp Bohr Models, encourage them to explain the concept to each other. I really like to use Turn and Teach in this lesson. Sometimes the students need to hear from another person a strategy for drawing and understanding the Bohr Diagrams.
Streamline Your Lesson Planning
One of the biggest challenges for teachers is the time spent preparing lessons. My guided notes lesson on Bohr Models is designed to save you time, offering a ready-made resource that covers the topic in detail. Since the lesson contains guided notes, students aren’t spending the entirety of class writing notes, but instead actually practicing the skill of drawing Bohr Diagrams and reading them too. Alongside the notes are Show What You Know Questions and a Quick Practice Worksheet that is designed for PLENTY of practice!
