Modeling Atoms Using Paperclips

Students often wonder how the first atomic theory came about and why only three scientific laws, conservation of mass, constant composition, and simple multiple proportions, led to this theory. In this inquiry-based activity students use scientific modeling (paper clips) to demonstrate the three laws that John Dalton used to develop the first atomic theory, and they are able to prove to themselves that there is a solid basis for the atomic theory even though they know little about the atom or its structure. (The John Dalton caricature by William B. Jensen is used with permission.)