AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics P4 Atomic Structure | 6 Lesson Presentations and Topic Test

AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics P4 Atomic Structure: 6 lessons ready to teach, with a topic test

This is the Combined Science Trilogy version of P4 Atomic Structure, matched to the AQA 8464 specification. You get 6 teaching lessons, all planned and ready to teach in editable PowerPoint.

What your classes work through

• The structure of an atom. Pupils describe an electron moving to a higher energy level further from the nucleus on absorbing radiation, then dropping back as it emits.
• Atomic number, mass number and isotopes. Pupils work out how many electrons an ion has from its mass number of 23, atomic number of 11 and charge of +1.
• The development of the model of the atom. Pupils retell how alpha scattering results overturned the plum pudding model and led to a small, dense, positive nucleus.
• Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation. Pupils judge whether gamma really is safest inside a sealed household device, given that its long range lets it escape the casing.
• Nuclear equations and half-life. Pupils determine the half-life of an isotope whose count-rate falls from 6400 to 400 counts per minute in 18 hours.
• Radioactive contamination and irradiation. Pupils compare a worker who spilt radioactive powder on their hands with one who stood near a sealed source, using contamination and irradiation.

Who it is for

Use it for GCSE Combined Science Trilogy P4 Atomic Structure, from the structure of the atom, isotopes and the history of the atomic model to radioactive decay, nuclear equations, half-life and contamination. It also suits Combined Science Physics revision and intervention in Year 10 and Year 11.

How each lesson runs

Each P4 Atomic Structure lesson starts with a Do Now that recalls earlier learning, with the answers on the next slide. It then moves through I Do, We Do and You Do, with a model answer after each task. It finishes with the AQA-style question listed above, its mark scheme and an exit ticket. A specification slide names the AQA points the lesson covers, so you can check it against your scheme of work.

Topic test

The P4 Atomic Structure topic test covers the whole unit with AQA-style questions and comes with its mark scheme, both in Word and PDF.