# Learner pages · ten atom-count starters

Work from the [original model cards](MODEL-CARDS.md). Every day's three access/response routes ask for the **same chemistry evidence**. Use paper, full-word movable cards, typing, speaking, sign or AAC; record any prompting or reading support. The two [public formative checks](STUDENT-CHECKS.md) arrive on Days 5 and 10. Model labels are fictional; no chemical handling or personal information is needed.

| Day | Your seven-minute task | Evidence to hand in |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 · A model is not a path | Label nucleus, protons, neutrons, electrons and distinct energy levels on the atom model mat. | Three particle locations/charges and a sentence saying a ring is not a measured orbit. |
| 2 · Z is identity | Given C Z 6, O Z 8, Mg Z 12, match each symbol to proton count; explain why a display label does not decide the element. | Three matches and one evidence limit. |
| 3 · A is a nuclear count | For neutral C-12 (Z 6), O-16 (Z 8), Mg-24 (Z 12), calculate p and n. | Three p/n pairs, `A−Z`, and why a decimal atomic weight is different. |
| 4 · Isotope pair | Compare neutral C-12/C-13 (Z 6) and Cl-35/Cl-37 (Z 17). | Same-Z claim, four neutron counts, one limit about abundance. |
| 5 · Fresh check A | Answer new Files R/S before opening a key. | Two complete neutral count triples, an isotope explanation and a bounded claim. |
| 6 · Read the left numbers | Read `^{26}_{12}Mg` and `^{23}_{11}Na` as name, A, Z and neutral status for this task. | Full-word reads and p/n/e triples for each. |
| 7 · Positive ion | Compare neutral Na-23/Na-23 1+ (Z 11) and neutral Mg-24/Mg-24 2+ (Z 12). | Four electron counts and fixed p/n for each pair. |
| 8 · Negative ion | Compare neutral Cl-35/Cl-35 1− (Z 17) and neutral O-16/O-16 2− (Z 8). | Four electron counts and an explanation of fixed A/Z. |
| 9 · Claim audit | Correct four claims about a plus sign, isotope identity, sodium's A and a material label. | Four repairs with a rule and a limit. |
| 10 · Fresh check B | Answer new Files T/U before feedback. | Two p/n/e triples, two charge checks, same/different distinctions and a claim limit. |

**Useful checks:** `protons = Z`; `neutrons = A−Z`; `p+n=A`; neutral `electrons = Z`; electron loss yields positive charge; electron gain yields negative charge. A is a *whole-number count for one isotope*, not the periodic-table decimal standard atomic weight. Do not infer real material content, hazards, purity, medical effects or actual electron paths from these paper cards.

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