The post-16 model of the atom can require some getting used to. It introduces a number of new ideas and ways to notate electron configurations. Students need to develop familiarity with the model before they can confidently use it in their own thinking and problem solving. As Keith Taber writes in Chemical Misconceptions: Prevention, Diagnosis and Cure (Vol.1), 'Such abstract ideas are demanding even for able students, and time, reinforcement and practice are needed if learners are to show (and maintain) a good understanding of the orbital topic.'

Teaching orbital shapes

Thinking in 3D is difficult. Teaching abstract ideas in 3D is even more challenging. Here are some suggestions for teaching strategies you could use to convey the idea of orbital shapes. 

1. Use the Internet

The Internet is brilliant resource that we can use to help students explore the developed atomic model. Rather than being limited to 2D drawings on paper, students can immerse themselves in a world of animated orbtial shapes that can be rotated in space. 

An excellent website is Chemtube3D, which can be used to show the relative sizes of the orbitals and how they are orientated in space with respect to one another. 

A quick search on Youtube® provides a number of excellent videos displaying orbitals. Not all Youtube® content and narration is reliable so make sure you watch the whole video before giving it to your students. 

2. Use balloons

Not everyone is a visual learner and some students may benefit from the interactive and kinaesthetic aspect of modelling orbitals using balloons. Also, it is great fun! 

You don't need to be a professional balloon modeller to experiment and find ways to display the orbitals. Perhaps give your class the opportunity to make their own. You might learn a few tricks from them!

The images below are my own attempt. 

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Below are a list of resources and activities you may wish to use in the classroom to help your students familaairise themselves with the labelling and shape of orbitals as well as electron configurations.

Gridlocks: sub-shells

This RSC activity focuses on developing familairity with the orbital shapes, designated letters and their degneracy (multiplicity).

Electron configuration battleships

This resource developed by OCR is a great way to help students transition from the pre-16 atomic model to the post-16 atomic model. Using the format of the game 'battleships,' students must use electron configurations to 'fire' at their opponents ships.