Electronic Structure: Complete Workbook & Interactive Simulation (AQA 4.1.1.7)

This is a complete workbook pack for Topic 4.1.1.7. It covers electron shells, the 2,8,8 rule, and how electronic structure links to the Periodic Table, using a printable student booklet and an interactive simulation.

What is in the Student Workbook (8 Pages):

Page 2: “Electron Shells.” Explains the rules for shell capacity (2, 8, 8) with a clear example for Sodium.

Page 3: Drawing Structures. Practice grids for drawing electron shell diagrams for the first 20 elements (Hydrogen to Calcium).

Page 4: Periodic Table Links. Explains the connection between Shells (Period) and Outer Electrons (Group). Includes a “Quick Challenge” to identify elements from their structure.

Page 5-6: Exam Practice. Questions on drawing structures, identifying groups, and explaining reactivity (e.g., Sodium vs. Magnesium).

Page 7: Key Facts Summary. A revision page summarizing shell capacities and key definitions like “Noble Gas”.

Page 8: Periodic Table Reference. A reference grid showing the electronic configurations for the first 20 elements.

What is the “Electron Configuration Builder” Simulation? I built this HTML tool to help students master electron arrangements. It runs in any web browser.

Build Mode: Students select an element and add electrons to shells. The simulation provides feedback on whether the 2,8,8 rule is followed correctly.

Quiz Mode: A gamified test where students must build the correct structure for random elements to earn a high score.

Identify Mode: Students are shown an electron diagram and must identify the Element, Group, and Period.

Visual Learning: Shows electrons filling shells in real-time and highlights when a shell is full.

Files Included:

Student Workbook (PDF) - 8 pages, ready to print.

Teacher Answers (PDF) - Full handwritten solutions and mark schemes.

Electron_Builder_Simulation.html - Interactive tool (offline and online versions)