Rutherford Model of the Atom Gold Foil Experiment Lab Activity

This Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment lab activity is an excellent visual demonstrating that the atom is mostly empty space. After seeing this lab and demonstration, the students will have a concrete understanding of the nucleus of an atom and how it looks and functions.

This lab is also an excellent discussion piece for the value of the models that we create. Obviously the proportions between they styrofoam ball nucleus and the hula hoop differ very much from that of an actual atom.

I love to use this as a way to talk about how our models are just that - models. They can help us to understand more clearly but don't actually give us a true picture.

WHO IS IT FOR?

• This lab is for first year chemistry students who need to have a complete understanding of subatomic particles and atomic structure.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

• hula-hoop
• string
• styrofoam ball
• ping pong balls (I got my rainbow ones (100) on Amazon for a decent price)
  • or you can use balled up scrap paper for free

FEATURES

• Differentiated option for writing a lab report
• Engaging
• Reusable model that you can build once and use every year

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Ready to go PDF of the Lab Activity
• "How to Write a Chemistry Lab Report" with sentence starters and point values for each section.
• Teacher Set up Guide
• Answer key with sample student answers

LOOKING FOR MORE?

You can also find this lab activity inside my Full Year Chemistry Lab Book.

This product by Kelsey Reavy is copyrighted for single classroom use only. This product may not be resold and can be copied for personal use within a classroom only. If you have questions, please email kelsey@kelseyreavy.com © Kelsey Reavy

Please Note: This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped. After purchase, you’ll receive a link to download your files directly on the order confirmation page, and a download email will also be sent to you.