In class, I will be teaching students how to use Bohr Model Diagrams to determine how many valence electrons some elements have. This is an outdated understanding of where the electrons are located in an atom, but is useful to figure out how many valence electrons there are (electrons in the outer energy level). It is a simple way to teach about why some elements are more reactive and form bonds with other elements. Science currently has a much more complex understanding of the orbitals where electrons can be found. I don’t think this level of detail is necessary to teach in 8th grade. However, some students might be interested in learning about this topic. I recommend using Kahn Academy (http://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/orbitals-and-electrons/v/orbitals) to do so. I’d be happy to talk with any of you who decide to check this out. It gets pretty complicated… and you will learn it in high school.