Science

AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
About This Unit Lessons
This unit aims to give pupils an overview of the atomic structure and 1. Atoms, Elements and Isotopes
the periodic table unit. It covers the main topics such as the history 2. Compounds, Mixtures and Equations
of the atom, behaviour and properties of elements found in groups 1,
3. Required Practical – Chromatography
7 and 0 and also introduces ionic bonding. Throughout the unit, there
4. Filtration and Crystallisation
are plenty of practical activities. There is the opportunity to draw the
electron structure of elements and a comprehension task. The unit 5. Distillation

includes a differentiated homework grid and assessment packs suitable 6. Development of the Atom
for all abilities. 7. Electronic Structure
8. History of the Periodic Table
9. Metals and Non-Metals
10. The Alkali Metals
11. The Halogens
12. The Noble Gases
13. Transition Metals (Chemistry Only)
Required Practical Investigations
Chromatography: Investigating the use of paper chromatography to
separate and identify a mixture of food colourings.

Chromatography is also covered in unit 8 – Chemical Analysis and you

may decide to complete the required practical whilst covering this unit.

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 1: Atoms, Elements and Isotopes
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To understand the structure of atoms, elements Atoms Atoms – What Am I?: Clues are given and pupils recap prior
Teaching Ideas and isotopes. Elements knowledge about atoms, protons, neutrons and electrons.

Isotopes Elements: Key facts are given about elements using the Atoms
First 20 Elements HA/
and Elements Activity Question Sheet. Pupils move around
MA/LA
the class swapping question cards and collecting information. A
Atoms Activity Sheet practice exam question is included.
Atoms and Elements First 20 Elements: Pupils study the first 20 elements on the
Activity Questions periodic table for two minutes and are asked to recall as many
Atoms and Elements as possible. This is a differentiated activity aimed at higher-,
Activity Answers middle- and lower-ability pupils.

Exam Style Questions Isotopes: Key facts are given as pupils learn a definition and
how to calculate the relative atomic mass.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The First 20 Elements • 5.1.1.1 Atoms and elements Ensure there is plenty of room for pupils to move around the
Activity Sheet is • 5.1.1.4 Relative electrical charges of subatomic classroom.
differentiated for higher-, particles
middle- and lower-ability
• 5.1.1.5 Size and mass of atoms
pupils. Higher-ability pupils
are required to name the
elements independently;
middle-ability pupils are
provided with the first letter
of each element and lower-
ability pupils are provided
with the relevant symbols.

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 2: Compounds, Mixtures and Equations
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To understand the role of atoms and Compounds Compounds: Key facts are given about compounds, including an
Teaching Ideas elements in compounds and mixtures. Making Compounds example of how many elements a compound contains and how

Mixtures to calculate the number of atoms.

Making Compounds
Instruction Sheet Writing and Balancing Equations Making Compounds: The Making Compounds Instruction
Sheet contains the information required to react pieces of
Match and Draw Activity
magnesium, copper and iron with oxygen. Pupils are introduced
Sheet
to writing equations.
Exam Style Questions
Mixtures: Key facts are given and pupils draw particle diagrams.
Equations: Pupils develop the ability to write and balance
equations.
Practice exam questions are also included.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Balancing Equations • 5.1.1.1 Compounds Bunsen burners Goggles should be worn throughout the practical.
Help Sheet shows pupils • 5.1.1.1 Writing and balancing equations matches Do not look directly at burning magnesium.
how to balance equations splint Tongs will be hot after being placed in the Bunsen burner.
• 5.11.2 Mixtures
step by step.
safety mats
tongs
goggles
small pieces of magnesium, copper and iron wool
molecular model kit
plasticine

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 3: Required Practical – Chromatography
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation Investigating the use of paper chromatography Paper Chromatography Required Practical Chromatography: Key facts are given
Teaching Ideas to separate and identify a mixture of food about chromatography and pupils carry out the investigation to
separate and identify a mixture of food colourings using paper
Pupil Instructions HA/ colourings.
chromatography.
MA/LA
Practice exam questions are provided.
Exam Style Questions
Definition Activity Sheet
Learning Pyramid

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Pupil Instruction • 5.1.1.2 Chromatography 500ml beaker Care needs to be taken when handling glassware.
Sheet is differentiated to lolly stick/splint Care needs to be taken when using the capillary tube as they
three levels. Higher-ability 6× 10cm chromatography paper strips break very easily.
pupils complete the method
four known food colours (A-D)
and answer questions
unknown mixture (U)
independently; middle-
glass capillary tube
ability pupils are provided
with examples and hints; pencil

lower-ability pupils are ruler

guided through each of the sticky tape
stages. water

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 4: Filtration and Crystallisation
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To understand how filtration and crystallisation Filtration Rock Salt: Key facts are given to pupils and they are asked to
Teaching Ideas can be used to separate mixtures. Crystallisation produce a method (by means of a flow chart) to separate rock
salt before carrying out the process.
Rock Salt Activity Sheet
Crystallisation: Key facts are given and pupils carry out a
Rock Salt Activity Sheet
practical to determine the factors affecting the size of the
Lower Ability
crystals.
Exam Style Questions
Practice exam questions are provided.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Exam Style Question • 5.1.1.2 Mixtures can be separated by physical rock salt Pupils should wear goggles during the experiments.
Lower Ability Sheet processes such as filtration and crystallisation filter paper Equipment should be checked for cracks before pupil use. Pupils
provides pupils with hints to funnel should inform the teacher of any broken glass or cuts.
answer the questions. When using hot water, pupils should take care not to burn or
mortar and pestle
The Rock Salt Lower scald themselves.
stirring rod
Ability Activity Sheet Whilst evaporating the salt crystals, pupils should be aware of
beaker
provides pupils with images spitting.
water
of each stage of the
Bunsen burner
experiment to assist with
writing the method. evaporating dish
molten salol solution (in a test tube)
test tube rack
glass rod
two cooled microscope slides (placed in the fridge)
two warmed microscope slides (placed on a radiator)
hand lens or microscope

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 5: Distillation
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To understand how distillation and fractional Distillation Distillation: Pupils watch a teacher demonstration of distillation
Teaching ideas distillation can be used to separate mixtures of Fractional Distillation and label a diagram of the equipment and use keywords to
liquids. explain the process.
Distillation Activity Sheet
Fractional Distillation: Pupils learn about fractional distillation
Distillation Activity Sheet
and its importance when carried out on crude oil.
Lower Ability
Practice exam questions are provided.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Distillation Activity • 5.1.1.2 Mixtures can be separated by physical distillation equipment Care should be taken when handling glassware.
Sheet Lower Ability processes such as simple distillation and mixture of food colouring and water
provides keywords and fractional distillation mini-whiteboards and pens
sentence starters to help
pupils complete the task.

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 6: Development of the Atom
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To appreciate how scientific theories develop of Development of the atom covering the work of JJ History of the Atom: This is a research lesson whereby pupils,
Teaching Ideas time. Thompson, Ernest Rutherford, Ernest Marsden, Niels working in groups, produce a timeline of the development of the
Bohr and James Chadwick. atom
Development of the Atom
Timeline
Timeline Information
Timeline Information
Answers
Atomic Model: Internet
Research

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Atomic Model: • 5.1.13 The Development of the Model of the string
Internet Research Sheet Atom pegs or paper clips
provides useful websites laptops
to enable pupils to access
sticky notes
relevant information.
red and green pens

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 7: Electronic Structure
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To understand the electronic structure of Electronic Structure of the First 20 Elements Electronic Structure: Key facts are given with some examples.
Teaching Ideas elements. Pupils use the Top Cards game and sweets to complete the
electronic structure of the first 20 elements.
Atoms Outline
The Atom: Top Cards are used to reinforce knowledge of the
Electronic Configuration
atom.
First 20 Elements
Practice exam questions are included.
Electronic Configuration
Top Cards
Exam Style Questions

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The exam style questions • 5.11.7 Electronic structure sweets Do not allow pupils to eat the sweets and check for any allergies.
are differentiated into mini-whiteboards and pens
bronze, silver and gold
levels.

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 8: History of the Periodic Table
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To understand the history and significance of the John Newland and Dmitri Mendeleev Newland and Mendeleev: Versions of both scientists’ periodic
Teaching Ideas development of the periodic table. History of the Periodic Table tables are provided and pupils are asked to spot the differences.

Dmitri Mendeleev Social Groups and Periods History of the Periodic Table: Fact sheets are provided about
Media Page the scientists John Newland, Johann Dôbereiner and Dmitri
Mendeleev. Pupils extract information from the fact sheets to
Dmitri Mendeleev Fact
complete the History of the Periodic Table Timeline Activity
Sheet
Sheet.
Johann Wolfgang
Groups and Periods: Key facts are given and examples are
Dôbereiner Fact Sheet
included.
please add an umlaut over
the highlighted o Practice exam questions are included.

John Newlands Fact

Sheet
History of the Periodic
Table Timeline
History of the Periodic
Table Timeline LA
Exam Style Questions

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The History of the • 5.1.1.2 Development of the Periodic Table
Periodic Table Timeline
Lower Ability provides
headings to help pupils
extract useful information.

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 9: Metals and Non-Metals
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To describe the physical properties of metals and The Position of Metals and Non-Metals on the Periodic The Position of Metals and Non-Metals: Pupils colour a copy
Teaching Ideas non-metals. Table of the periodic table to show the position of metals and non-
Properties of Metals metals.
Periodic Tables
Ions Properties of Metals: A carousel of seven different practical
Ions HA/MA/LA
activities whereby pupils learn about the properties of metals.
Melting and Boiling Points
Ions: Key facts are given and pupils complete the Ions Activity
Properties of Metals and
Sheet to demonstrate their understanding of ions.
Non-Metals
Properties of Metals and
Non-Metals Instruction
Cards

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Ions Activity Sheet is • 5.1.2.3 metals and non-metals red and blue crayons Pupils should wear safety goggles during the experiments.
differentiated for higher-, mini-whiteboards and pens Conductivity rings will become very hot during heating and
middle- and lower-ability Examples of as many metals and non-metals as should be handled carefully.
pupils. Higher-ability pupils possible. Take care when using the hammer the material doesn’t shatter.
are expected to complete
conductivity ring
the work independently;
battery
middle-ability pupils are
bulb
provided with some hints
wire
and lower-ability pupils are
provided with hints and crocodile clips

examples. small hammer

blocks of metals and non-metals (e.g. aluminium, wood,
polystyrene, lead)
balances

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 10: The Alkali Metals
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To describe the properties and predict the Alkali Metals with Water Alkali Metals with Water: Start with a teacher demonstration
Teaching Ideas behaviour of the alkali metals. Alkali Metals with Oxygen or Chlorine of the first three alkali metals reacting with water, followed by a

Properties of the Alkali Metals question and discussion activity.

The Alkali Metals
Comprehension Sheet Uses of the Alkali Metals Alkali Metals with Oxygen and Chlorine: Key facts are given
and pupils practise writing equations.
The Alkali Metals
Questions HA/MA/LA Properties of the Alkali Metals: A comprehension activity which
requires pupils to identify the different properties.
Uses of the Alkali Metals
Uses of the Alkali Metals: A match and draw activity.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Alkali Metals • 5.1.2.3 Metals and non-metals lithium The alkali metals should be stored in oil and handled carefully.
Question Sheet is sodium When reacting the metals with water, ensure pupils are sitting
differentiated. Higher-ability potassium well back from the demonstration bench and that a safety
pupils answer the questions screen is used.
tweezers
independently; lower-ability
safety screen Goggles should be worn throughout the practical activities.
pupils are provided with
water trough Work in a ventilated classroom when working with chlorine.
hints and worked examples.
universal indicator
scalpel

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 11: The Halogens
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To describe and predict the behaviour of the Properties of the Halogens Properties of the Halogens: Pupils are provided with a specific
Teaching Ideas halogens. Displacement Reactions halogen related task to complete and feedback their answer to the
rest of the group.
The Halogens Activity
Tasks Displacement Reactions: A practical activity, with pupils
observing a more reactive halogen displacing a less reactive one.
The Halogens Activity
Pupils are encouraged to write equations for the reactions.
Tasks Answer Sheet
Practice exam questions are included.
Halogen Displacement
Activity Sheet
Exam Style Questions

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The lower ability graph • 5.1.2.6 Group 7 graph paper Ensure pupils wear goggles throughout the practical activities.
paper contains labelled axes • WS 1.2 Explain how the properties of group 7 laptop Take care when handling chemicals.
and a suitable scale. elements depend on the electrons in its outer pipettes Work in a ventilated room.
The exam style questions shell. spotting tiles
are differentiated into
chlorine solution
bronze, silver and gold
bromine water
levels.
iodine solution
potassium chloride solution
potassium iodide solution
potassium bromide solution
goggles
access to textbooks and dictionaries

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 12: The Noble Gases
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To describe and predict the behaviour of the Properties of the Noble Gases. Properties of the Noble Gases: Pupils are given one of the
Teaching Ideas noble gases. following tasks to complete: extracting information about boiling
points from a graph provided, plotting bar charts, finding out
The Noble Gases Activity
uses of the noble gases or plotting electron structure. On
Sheet
completion of the task, pupils share their findings with other
Exam Style Questions
members of the group.
Practice exam questions are included.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Exam Style Questions • 5.1.2.4 Group 0 graph paper
are differentiated into lower, • WS 1.2 Explain how properties of the elements mini-whiteboards and pens
middle and higher ability. depend on the outer shell of electrons. laptops
textbooks

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 AQA GCSE Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Unit Overview
Lesson Pack Number 13: Transition Metals (Chemistry Only)
Included in this Pack Learning Objectives Topics Covered Main Pupil Activities
Lesson Presentation To describe the properties, reactions and uses of Reactivity Reactivity: Pupils investigate the reactivity of copper and use
Teaching Ideas the transition metals. Properties their observations to compare its reactivity with those elements

Coloured Compounds found in group 1.

Exam Style Questions
Uses Properties: Key facts are given about the properties of the
transition metals, including their ability to form more than one
type of ion.
Coloured Compounds: Pupils investigate the coloured
compounds produced when reacting transition metal solutions
with sodium hydroxide.
Uses: Key facts are given.
Practice exam questions are included.

Differentiation GCSE Specification Aims Resources/Practical Equipment Required Health and Safety
The Exam Style Questions • 4.13.1 Comparison with Group 1 metals mini-whiteboard and pens Goggles should be worn through the investigations.
are differentiated into lower, • 4.13.2 Typical Properties goggles Care should be taken when handling chemicals.
middle and higher ability. tongs
small pieces of copper
test tubes
test tube racks
Bunsen burner
pipettes
hydrochloric acid
sodium hydroxide solution
solutions of Cu2 , Fe2 and Fe3
+ + +

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