Electron Configuration Concert - Overhead Demonstration Model

By: Patrick Kelley
Richland H.S., North Richland Hills, TX


Demonstrate to your students how to properly determine the electron configuration of each element on the periodic table! Simulate the periodic table by hosting an electron configuration concert and learn how easy it is to teach this concept to your students! A unique teacher-designed model displays a concert floor plan overhead transparency containing four seating sections—s, p, d, and f. The spdf seating chart lays out the rules for the correct way to “seat the people in the outdoor amphitheatre”. Students find it easy to remember the electron filling order of the energy levels in atoms by relating it to this concert scenario. Tie this activity to other related concepts—Hund’s rule, Aufbau principle, Pauli Exclusion Principle, electron spin, and more.

Concepts: Electron configuration of the elements, atomic structure, energy levels.
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Materials Provided: Concert floor plan transparency and master, spdf seating chart transparency and master, instructions with sample scenario, student worksheet, and periodic table master.