English National Curriculum - Science

Development of the atom

Mission Objectives

Describe why the new evidence from the scattering experiment led to a change in the atomic model

Describe how and why the atomic model has changed over time

Evaluate scientific models critically, considering their strengths and weaknesses

Sign up to access this content
Rocket Words Quiz

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

View and print the lesson plan

View

Downloads

Save files related to this lesson

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

sphere

a 3D object shaped like a ball

dense

having parts that are closely packed together

nucleus

the central core of an atom made up of protons and neutrons

alpha particle

a type of ionising radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons

charge

a property of matter that determines how it interacts with electric fields; particles can have a positive, negative or neutral charge

Sponsored by

Rolls Royce SMR

Rolls Royce SMR

Sponsored by

Rolls Royce SMR

Rolls Royce SMR

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.

Underpinning this is a strong foundation in applied science built across a range of industry roles. Samantha has held scientific roles at John Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire Water and WasteCare, where she led technical projects, drove operational efficiencies and ensured compliance with industry standards. Across these roles she has first-hand experience of how scientific knowledge translates into measurable outcomes in professional and commercial environments.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

Required Resources

Development of the atom - Handout

Rutherford scattering - Handout

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval from Developing Experts of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organisation or individual.

Developing Experts bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

You will be redirected to:

Expert film

Sign up to access this content

This lesson is only available to users with an active subscription.

Mission assignment film

Sign up to access this content

This lesson is only available to users with an active subscription.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.