This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘Radioactivity’ SoW.
 
This lesson starts with a video about the developments in the atomic model starting from Greek philosophers to 20th Century scientists. Pupils are given a set of questions to answer whilst watching the video, this work can be self-assess using answers provided.
 
Next, pupils are given a set of cards with bits of information about different scientists involved in the development of the model of the atom. Pupils should put these cards in order and then use the information on the cards to formulate a timeline in their books, they should use the information on the cards to add labels describing the work of each of the scientists.
 
Students will now be shown a video on ‘Scattering Experiments & the Development of the Nuclear Model’ - students will need to answer a set of questions whilst watching the video. The answers to the video are included in the PowerPoint so students can self-assess their work once it is complete.
 
A diagram of the ‘Gold Foil Experiment’ is then shown to pupils, along with a summary of conclusions drawn from this investigation. Students will then be given a worksheet to complete, summarising the findings of this investigation and how it contributed to the development of the Nuclear Model of the atom. The mark scheme to this task is also included in the PowerPoint for pupils to assess their work.
 
The plenary task is a word search, students will need to find a list of key words on the topic of ‘radioactivity’.
 
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)