Watch alpha particles escape from a polonium nucleus, causing radioactive alpha decay. See how random decay times relate to the half life.

Watch alpha particles escape from a polonium nucleus, causing radioactive alpha decay. See how random decay times relate to the half life.

AtomTouch is a molecular simulation app, created through a partnership between UW MRSEC and Field Day Lab. It allows learners to explore principles of thermodynamics and molecular dynamics in a tactile, exploratory way. The simulation was developed to help students understand the structures and attributes of particles at the molecular level, providing real-time feedback and responding to students’ actions.

Both of these lessons are classroom activities that require students to build models that display understanding of atoms and molecules. One lesson is structured while the other is guided.

How do you know if a chemical equation is balanced? What can you change to balance an equation? Play a game to test your ideas!

Explore the origin of energy bands in crystals of atoms. The structure of these bands determines how materials conduct electricity.

Explore the origin of energy bands in crystals of atoms. The structure of these bands determines how materials conduct electricity.

Watch beta decay occur for a collection of nuclei or for an individual nucleus.

Watch beta decay occur for a collection of nuclei or for an individual nucleus.

This activity utilizes an online interactive simulation (PhET.colorado.edu) that allows students to explore and manipulate the subatomic particles that comprise the atom. Students also explore atomic mass, ions, nuclear symbols, and the periodic table. A link to the simulation and a downloadable file that includes a pre-lab, a student activity guide, and a post-lab assessment. The simulation also includes other inquiry opportunities and a game.

Starting from atoms, see how many molecules you can build. Collect your molecules and see them in 3D!

Chemistry: Atoms First is a peer-reviewed, openly licensed introductory textbook produced through a collaborative publishing partnership between OpenStax and the University of Connecticut and UConn Undergraduate Student Government Association.

This title is an adaptation of the OpenStax Chemistry text and covers scope and sequence requirements of the two-semester general chemistry course. Reordered to fit an atoms first approach, this title introduces atomic and molecular structure much earlier than the traditional approach, delaying the introduction of more abstract material so students have time to acclimate to the study of chemistry. Chemistry: Atoms First also provides a basis for understanding the application of quantitative principles to the chemistry that underlies the entire course.

This interactive activity from ChemThink takes a closer look at a covalent bond--how it is formed and how the sharing of two electrons can keep atoms together.

This is a comprehensive science textbook for Grade 10. You can download or read it on-line on your mobile phone, computer or iPad. Every chapter comes with video lessons and explanations which help bring the ideas and concepts to life. Summary presentations at the end of every chapter offer an overview of the content covered, with key points highlighted for easy revision. Topics covered are: skills for science, classification of matter, states of matter, kinetic molecular theory, the atom, the periodic table, chemical bonding, transverse pulses, transverse waves, longitudinal waves, sound, electromagnetic radiation, particles, compounds, physical and chemical change, representing chemical change, magnetism, electrostatics, electric circuits, reactions in aqueous solution, quantitive aspects of chemical change, vectors and scalars, motion in one direction, mechanical energy, the hydrosphere. This book is based upon the original Free High School Science Text series.

This is the first semester in a two-semester introductory course focused on current theories of structure and mechanism in organic chemistry, their historical development, and their basis in experimental observation. The course is open to freshmen with excellent preparation in chemistry and physics, and it aims to develop both taste for original science and intellectual skills necessary for creative research.

A reading with required input from the student.  Uses data and examples to discover the Laws of Conservation of Mass, Definite Proportions and Multiple Proportions.  Then uses the particle model of matter to show how Dalton's Atomic theory explains these laws.

Create a laser by pumping the chamber with a photon beam. Manage the energy states of the laser's atoms to control its output.

Create a laser by pumping the chamber with a photon beam. Manage the energy states of the laser's atoms to control its output.