The Bohr atomic model is not only factually wrong (even Bohr admitted this in his first US talks), but recent studies indicate that focusing on teaching atomic theory from that perspective leads to persistent misconceptions about the nature of electrons in atoms and molecules.

The traditional challenge, however, has been that the “right” answer (quantum mechanics) traditionally requires a level of math that is beyond high school and introductory college students. Not anymore! In this workshop we will guide teachers through a new approach that both covers all of the material that students are expected to learn about atoms and molecules (i.e., for standardized tests and subsequent courses), but is also true to the quantum nature of electrons. The approach begins with students discovering light-matter interactions (which can be used to also teach about climate change!) and then moving through electron nature, atomic structure, and finally how molecules form from electron cloud overlap.

The workshop will include a series of guided-inquiry exercises (that can be brought back and used in the classrooms), online simulations of atomic structure, and a discussion of how these materials can be used in teaching at the college and high-school levels. Participants will receive classroom notes, handouts, textbook supplement, links to question-embedded videos, and assessment questions.