By Grade 10 Andy and Grade 12 Hazel
In yesterday’s chemistry class, we experienced something extraordinary—Mr. Murray led us in crafting atomic models, turning abstract theories into hands-on discovery.
The moment Mr. Murray walked into the classroom carrying a bag of modeling clay and tape, the room buzzed with curiosity. With a smile, he announced our task: Build atomic models. The class erupted in excitement, setting the tone for a lesson brimming with creativity.
He began by explaining the basics of atomic structure. “An atom consists of a nucleus and orbiting electrons,” he said, using simple diagrams to demystify protons, neutrons, and electron shells. His clear explanations transformed complex ideas into something tangible.
Then came the fun part: creating our models. We eagerly chose clay colors to represent particles—red for protons, blue for neutrons, green for electrons. The classroom fell into a focused silence, broken only by occasional whispers as we molded nuclei and arranged electrons in their shells.
Mr. Murray moved between desks, offering guidance. When a classmate struggled with electron placement, he knelt beside them, reshaping the clay with patience. “Think of the shells as energy levels,” he encouraged us, demonstrating how to balance the structure.
By the end, our desks displayed vibrant atoms—some simple like hydrogen, others more complex like carbon. Mr. Murray gathered us for a final reflection: “By creating these models with your own hands, you’ve not only memorized the parts of an atom but truly grasped how they interact. That’s the magic of science.”
This wasn’t just a lesson—it was a spark. We left class not only understanding atomic structure but feeling the thrill of discovery. As one classmate said, “I finally get why electrons matter!” Moments like these remind us that science isn’t just equations in a textbook. It’s a world of wonder, waiting to be shaped by our own hands.