February 20, 2025 By Derby Academy
When Derby Academy teachers Dave Kleberg and Jonathan Robin began planning their atomic theory unit, they faced a common challenge: how to make such a fundamental, yet often abstract, concept truly engaging. Atoms, despite their fascinating nature as the tiny, invisible building blocks of everything, can be a difficult sell. Mr. Kleberg and Mr. Robin wanted to move beyond rote memorization of models and foster genuine understanding.
The two teachers’ critical thinking around this topic is what sparked the idea of an Atomic Museum. The Museum was designed to provide an authentic experience for their 8th graders to showcase their learning. Instead of a traditional test, students became experts on a specific aspect of atomic theory, from foundational concepts to complex topics like ions, the work of Schrödinger and Heisenberg, and covalent bonding. A deep understanding of valence shells, electron cloud structure, and related concepts was essential.
A key element of the project was the students’ involvement in designing the Atomic Museum from start to finish. They weren’t simply building a model; they were creating a learning experience. They had to consider the museum’s flow, how exhibits would connect, and how to present the story of the atom in an engaging and accessible way for younger children. This made the project far more comprehensive than a typical graded model.
The culminating Atomic Museum featured student-created 3D models, informational posters, and interactive exhibits. Younger students from Derby Academy were invited to tour the museum and learn about the atom from the 8th grade experts. Throughout the event, students presented, answered questions, and engaged with visitors in a meaningful way. It was evident they fully understood their topics. Mr. Kleberg commented, “The student’s ingenuity was on full display. They took what can be a mundane unit and made it fun and interactive. I love seeing them use their creativity to improve the classroom experience.”
Eighth grader Maggie D., “What I enjoyed most about the atomic theory unit and museum was being able to showcase our knowledge to younger grades, faculty, and parents. Through our interactive activities and 3D models, it was extremely fun to be able to educate others about such an interesting topic.
I believe the hands-on aspect of this project helped me retain and appreciate the knowledge I gained. At first, I thought the atomic theory unit was too complex to understand, however, after presenting the information in such a fun form, I know the information will stay with me.”
