Atoms & Elements

Subject: Science  ·  Grade level: 8th

What's inside an atom, why elements are unique, and how the periodic table is organized.

In this lesson

• Inside an atom
• What makes an element?
• Reading the periodic table

Key terms

Proton

Positive particle in the nucleus. Defines the element.

Neutron

Neutral particle in the nucleus. Adds mass.

Electron

Negative particle that surrounds the nucleus.

Atoms & Elements lesson on BrightPath

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