
Updated for 2025 AQA GCSE Physics and Combined Science (8463 / 8464).
This free, fully editable lesson introduces P7.1 – Atoms and Radiation from the AQA specification.
Students explore the structure of the atom, the discovery of the nucleus, and how radiation is emitted from unstable nuclei.
Ideal as a first lesson in the Atomic Structure topic or a revision resource for Paper 1 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
Includes free AI long-answer feedback – students can submit extended-response questions online and receive instant, AQA-aligned WWW/EBI feedback to improve reasoning, structure, and use of key terminology.
What’s Included
Editable PowerPoint with clear diagrams and visual models of atomic structure
Printable and editable worksheet with model answers (Foundation → Higher)
Retrieval starter and plenary quiz
AfL checkpoints and differentiated challenge questions
Homework / revision task
Comprehensive teacher answer key
Optional AI long-answer feedback integration guide
Topics Covered
The structure of the atom
Development of the nuclear model (Rutherford, Bohr, Chadwick)
Types of nuclear radiation (alpha, beta, gamma)
Atomic number, mass number, and isotopes
The discovery of the nucleus and key historical experiments
Why Teachers Use This Lesson
Free to download and ready to teach immediately
Aligned with AQA specification 8463 / 8464
Exam-style questions with scaffolded support
Differentiated for Foundation and Higher tiers
Perfect introduction to the Atomic Structure topic
Suitable For
GCSE Physics and Combined Science Paper 1
Classroom delivery, revision, or cover lessons
Teachers exploring AI-enhanced feedback
Format
PPTX slides | DOCX / PDF worksheets | Fully editable | Print-friendly
TES Tags
AQA Physics, P7 Atomic Structure, Atoms and Radiation, Nuclear Model, Rutherford, Alpha Beta Gamma, GCSE Physics, KS4 Science, AQA 9-1, Free Physics Lesson, Physics Lesson PowerPoint, PlanetReynolds, AI Marking
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