Grade 8 Students Host Atomic Museum

When Derby Academy 8th grade science teacher Dave Kleberg began planning his atomic theory unit, he faced a common challenge: how to make such a fundamental, yet often abstract, concept truly engaging. Atoms, despite their fascinating nature as the tiny, invisible building blocks of everything, can be a difficult sell. Mr. Kleberg wanted to move beyond rote memorization of models and foster genuine understanding.

Mr. Kleberg's critical thinking around this topic is what sparked the idea of an Atomic Museum. The Museum was designed to provide an authentic experience for his 8th graders to showcase their learning. Instead of a traditional test, students became experts on a specific aspect of atomic theory, from foundational concepts to complex topics like ions, the work of Schrödinger and Heisenberg, and covalent bonding. A deep understanding of valence shells, electron cloud structure, and related concepts was essential.

A key element of the project was the students' involvement in designing the Atomic Museum from start to finish. They weren't simply building a model; they were creating a learning experience. They had to consider the museum's flow, how exhibits would connect, and how to present the story of the atom in an engaging and accessible way for younger children. This made the project far more comprehensive than a typical graded model. 

The culminating Atomic Museum featured student-created 3D models, informational posters, and interactive exhibits. Younger students from Derby Academy were invited to tour the museum and learn about the atom from the 8th grade experts.