Are you using the Atoms Game with your students? Below are some suggested teaching strategies to help you plan your lessons.

Explain the electrostatic force between protons and electrons that drives effective nuclear charge (Zeff), and how it affects the atomic radius. Post these short TikTok videos for your students to watch!

After playing Level 9, ask your students to describe the atomic radii trend that is represented down a group, and explain why this happens.

After playing Level 11, ask your students to describe the atomic radii trend that is represented across a period, and explain why this happens.

Have your students identify atomic radii trends, and draw the trends as big arrows across each period and down each group on a blank periodic table.

Challenge your students to master the Atoms Sandbox Achievements:

• Atoms with certain numbers of protons
• Atoms of increasing size between two noble gases (SUPER CHALLENGE for advanced students)
• Atoms with low/medium/high electronegativity
• Atoms with a certain number of valence electrons
• Or, make up your own challenges and have students submit a screenshot of their work!

The Atoms game shares Connected Levels with Ions, IMFs, and Covalent Bonding. Have your students complete all levels of Atoms, and any one of the other three games to open up the pipe between these games and CONNECT their learning!