Contextualization

Chemistry is a science that surrounds us on all sides, it is present from the air we breathe to the chemical reactions that occur in our bodies. Among the many intriguing topics in this universe, one stands out: energy levels and sublevels. But why is this important? Because it is the basis for understanding the behavior of electrons and, consequently, the whole world around us!

Energy levels and sublevels are the basis for understanding the periodic table, which in turn is the foundation for understanding chemistry! This organization of electrons in layers around the atomic nucleus allows us to predict how atoms will react in different situations, forming the molecules that make up everything we know.

In the 20th century, great scientists such as Niels Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger dedicated their studies to atomic structure, creating theories and models that allow us to better understand how atoms behave. Bohr, for example, proposed a model where electrons orbit the nucleus in specific orbits, or energy levels. Schrödinger, on the other hand, created quantum mechanics, a new way of understanding physics and chemistry that goes beyond classical laws.

Relevance

Energy levels and sublevels have a significant impact in various areas. In chemistry, they help explain the formation of chemical bonds and chemical reactions, the structure of the periodic table, and the properties of elements. In medicine, they are used to understand how medications interact with our bodies in combating diseases. The computers and smartphones we use every day also depend on understanding how electrons move in energy levels and sublevels.

Mastering this concept is essential for those who wish to pursue a career in any field of exact sciences, health, or engineering. However, even outside of these areas, having an understanding of these principles helps to comprehend the world around us, from the reaction that gives color to a sunset to the functioning of a battery.

The skills developed in this project apply in a transversal way to various other disciplines and situations in everyday life: research and information synthesis skills, teamwork, evidence-based decision-making, among others.

Practical Activity – “Exploring the Atomic Universe: Energy Levels and Sublevels”

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to build a three-dimensional model of an atom with detailed energy levels and sublevels, demonstrating the organization of electrons around the nucleus.

Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will choose two elements from the periodic table with different complexities (one with up to 3 energy levels and another with 4 or more) to create atomic models that represent the arrangement of electrons in energy levels and sublevels.

To complement the practical part, students will also create an explanatory seminar on the topic, addressing the theory of energy levels and sublevels, the application of the concept in real life, and presenting their atomic models.

This project will have a total duration of approximately two weeks, with at least 12 hours of work per student, including research, construction of atomic models, preparation of the seminar, and writing the final report.

Required Materials

• Styrofoam balls of different sizes
• Toothpicks
• Colored paints
• Colored markers
• Cardboard
• Hot glue
• String
• Scissors

Project Step-by-Step

1. Initial Research (3 hours): Each group should research the two chosen elements, focusing on their atomic characteristics and how their electrons are distributed in energy levels and sublevels.

2. Model Planning (2 hours): The group should plan how to build their atomic model, considering how to represent the nucleus, energy levels, and electrons.

3. Model Construction (3 hours): Using the indicated materials, students will build their atomic models.

4. Additional Research (2 hours): Each group should further research energy levels and sublevels, discovering why they are important, how they were discovered, and their real-life applications.

5. Seminar Preparation (2 hours): Based on the research conducted, groups will prepare an explanatory seminar on the topic. It should include an explanation of energy levels and sublevels, presentation of the constructed atomic models, and an explanation of how the concept applies in real life.

Project Deliverables

The project will be concluded with two main deliveries:

1. Three-Dimensional Model: The group will present the atomic model they built, explaining how it represents the concept of energy levels and sublevels and how the electrons are arranged for the chosen elements.

2. Seminar: The group will present the seminar prepared for the class, demonstrating the theoretical understanding of the topic and applying this understanding to the constructed model.

3. Documentation: The group will produce a detailed report, containing the following parts:

• Introduction: Contextualization of the topic, relevance and real-world application, and project objective.
• Development: Explanation of the theory of energy levels and sublevels, details of the activity carried out, methodology used, and presentation of results.
• Conclusion: Synthesis of the main points addressed, lessons learned, and conclusions about the project.
• Bibliography: References of the materials used for the project.

This report must be submitted within a week after the seminar presentation, to allow groups to include feedback and observations obtained during the presentation.