The History of Atomic Theory

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Atomic theory is a scientific theory that states that all matter is made of tiny particles called atoms.

Everything, including the air we breathe, is considered to be matter. That means atomic theory impacts just about everyone and everything on the earth! Some scientists even claim atomic theory is the most important scientific development ever!

Atomic theory cannot be credited to just one person. It was developed over hundreds of years by several scientists.

In this lesson, you will investigate the roles of Democritus, John Dalton, J.J. Thompson, Ernest Rutherford, and Niels Bohr in developing atomic theory.

If you are unsure of exactly what an atom is, it may be a good idea to complete our lesson found under Additional Resources in the right-hand sidebar before moving forward in this lesson.

Copy the following chart onto a separate piece of paper. As you watch the video and read the articles, complete the chart:

Get ready to explore the microscopic world of atoms, and find out how they came into focus as the basis of all matter, as you watch TEDEd's video, The 2,400-year search for the atom- Theresa Doud, to learn more about the history of atomic theory.

Then, visit each of the following sites to continue learning:

• SoftSchool's Atomic theory timeline
• BBC's Atoms and atomic structure
• Famous Scientists J.J. Thompson
• Science Kids' Ernest Rutherford Facts
• Famous Scientists Niels Bohr

Review the chart you created.

• Which discovery did you find the most interesting?

Move on to the Got It? section for a bit of a quiz.