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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/teaching-atoms/atom-game
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Students will love showing off how much they have learned about atomic structure or another scientific topic by creating a game that tests their and their classmates knowledge! Students can create the board game as a final assessment of a unit and then celebrate the end of the unit by playing together! The teacher can print out and laminate the games and set them up in different stations around the room so students can travel around and try out each one. This could also be a great addition to a science fair.
For more templates to add to this assignment, check out our game poster templates!
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a board game that shows your knowledge of atomic structure or another scientific topic!
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Using the template provided add directions, numbers or symbols.
- You may change the design, colors, or add other images to enhance your game board.
- In a separate cell or storyboard, make cards of questions or prompts.
- Make game tokens or use what you have in the classroom.
- Print, laminate, set it up, and play!
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Poster Rubric
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Work | If there is writing, it is clear and uses complete sentences. | If there is writing, it is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. | If there is writing, it is incomplete and unclear. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the assignment using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the assignment, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Students will love showing off how much they have learned about atomic structure or another scientific topic by creating a game that tests their and their classmates knowledge! Students can create the board game as a final assessment of a unit and then celebrate the end of the unit by playing together! The teacher can print out and laminate the games and set them up in different stations around the room so students can travel around and try out each one. This could also be a great addition to a science fair.
For more templates to add to this assignment, check out our game poster templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a board game that shows your knowledge of atomic structure or another scientific topic!
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Using the template provided add directions, numbers or symbols.
- You may change the design, colors, or add other images to enhance your game board.
- In a separate cell or storyboard, make cards of questions or prompts.
- Make game tokens or use what you have in the classroom.
- Print, laminate, set it up, and play!
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Poster Rubric
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Work | If there is writing, it is clear and uses complete sentences. | If there is writing, it is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. | If there is writing, it is incomplete and unclear. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the assignment using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the assignment, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Create Your Own Atom Game!
1
How to Adapt the Atom Game for Younger Students
Adjust game complexity to suit grades 2–8 by using simpler rules and vocabulary. Tailoring content ensures students at different levels stay engaged and learn successfully.
2
Pre-select age-appropriate science topics
Pick topics like the water cycle, magnets, or plant parts for younger students. This makes the game both accessible and relevant for your class.
3
Use clear visuals and color-coding
Add bright images and color codes to help students easily identify parts of the board or cards. Visual cues support understanding for early readers.
4
Simplify game instructions and objectives
Write brief, step-by-step instructions and state the goal clearly. Short directions help students start playing independently.
5
Create collaborative play opportunities
Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to foster teamwork. Group play builds social skills and keeps everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Create Your Own Atom Game!
How can students create their own board game to learn about atomic structure?
Students can design their own board game by choosing a scientific topic like atomic structure, creating a game board with directions and symbols, making question cards, and assembling tokens. This hands-on activity helps reinforce concepts and encourages collaborative learning.
What are some easy steps to make a classroom atom game?
Start by selecting a template, add custom directions and visuals, create question or prompt cards, prepare tokens, and print and laminate the materials. Set up the games in stations so students can play and learn from each other.
Why is creating a game a good assessment for science units?
Making a game allows students to demonstrate understanding creatively, apply knowledge, and review key concepts with peers. It promotes engagement, critical thinking, and deeper retention of material compared to traditional tests.
Where can I find templates for student-made science games?
You can find game poster templates online or through educational resources linked in the assignment. These templates make it easy for students to get started and personalize their board games for any science topic.
What are the benefits of using homemade science games in the classroom?
Homemade science games boost engagement, foster creativity, encourage teamwork, and help students review content in a fun and interactive way. They also provide an alternative method for assessing student learning.
More Storyboard That Activities
Understanding Atomic Structures
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/teaching-atoms/atom-game
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
