In this assignment, you will be playing an immersive online learning simulation.

                Below you can read the main learning outcomes and techniques you'll practice, as well as a brief introduction and storyline to the simulation.

                Once you are ready, you can start the simulation by pressing the simulation launch button/link.

            

                Learning Objectives

                

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to…

• Explain the concept of an atom

• Explain the properties of the basic subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons

• Define the atomic number and atomic mass

• Define isotopes

            

                Techniques:

                

Concept-based simulation

            

            
            About this Learning Simulation

            

This is the principles (high school) version of the simulation. For a more advanced version please see “Atomic Structure: Assess the possibility of life on other planets”.

In a real research facility, you may end up provoking a nuclear fusion if the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom changed. In the Atomic Structure simulation, you will get the opportunity to decide what the nucleus of an atom looks like, and you will build anions, cations and various isotopes of an element from scratch. You will do this without the fear of causing a nuclear explosion!

Atoms and the subatomic particles

Everything you see around you is made up of atoms, and all atoms consist of subatomic particles. In the Atomic Structure simulation, you will learn the names and properties of the basic subatomic particles and understand how changing the number of electrons may charge an atom either positively or negatively.

Identify different elements from the periodic table

As a part of your mission, you will be teleported to an exoplanet to explore on your own, collect samples and come up with observations regarding the presence of life on the planet. Back in the laboratory, you will investigate the properties of the elements you brought back from the exoplanet. The periodic table will be close by to advise and guide you.

What is an isotope?

In order to understand the main properties of an isotope in the Atomic Structure simulation, you will use the holo-table. With the holo-table, you will be able to see a magnified atom of Lithium and get the chance to build different isotopes of the same element.

Are you ready to uncover whether life exists on other planets than Earth?