Bohr Model Drawing
Conduct a Bohr model activity through creative drawing. Have students construct a drawing of the atom using the Bohr model. Choose different colors for the protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons and the neutrons should occupy the central region to form the nucleus. The electrons orbit the nucleus. Create line orbits containing the electrons. Explain to the students that the model of the atom resembles a planetary model with the electrons orbiting the nucleus, like the planets orbit the Sun.
Computer Simulation Activity
Obtain or buy a computer simulation program that illustrates the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. Observe the computer simulation of the absorption and emission process in the Bohr model. Watch what happens to the electron of the hydrogen atom when the absorption of different photon energies occur. In addition, observe the different emission wavelengths. Have students write up an explanation of the computer simulation.
Light and Bohr Model Activity
Conduct a Bohr model activity using incandescent and fluorescent lights and line spectra of selected elements. Have the students look at room lights, such as fluorescent light bulbs. Explain that the white light is a mixture of different frequencies of light, as well as different mixtures of energies. The students can record whether they see more red or blue light. Next, have the students look at an incandescent light bulb and record whether they see more red or blue light. Have the students look at two fabric swatches. One should look either red or maroon depending on the type of light and the other should look blue or purple. Display line spectra of different elements using spectrum tubes. Record the spectral lines. Explain to the students that only certain lines appear in an element's spectrum due to certain energies in the element. Students should summarize results and explain that the line spectra support the Bohr model of the atom.
3-D Bohr Model
Construct a three-dimensional (3-D) Bohr model of an atom using Styrofoam balls. Choose the element you want to use and different colors to paint the protons, neutrons and electrons. In addition, find smaller Styrofoam balls to represent the protons and neutrons. Paint the balls and let dry for one day. Properly place the electrons around the nucleus on a large poster board. Glue the Styrofoam balls in place. Draw lines connecting the electrons to represent the energy levels. Refer to the periodic table of elements to find the electron configuration table to make sure you have the proper number of electrons at each level. For instance, an atom of nitrogen contains two electrons in the first energy level and five in the second energy level. Label your poster board with the element name, as well as, the number of protons, neutrons and electrons.