Atoms, elements and compounds
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state, where they explored particle behaviour in different states and how materials change under various conditions. It enhances their understanding by focusing on the structure of atoms, elements, and compounds, and how these fundamental particles combine. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Understanding chemical reactions, where they will apply this knowledge to explore how atoms rearrange during chemical reactions, reinforcing the principles of matter and its transformations.
Prior knowledge requirements
- A pure substance is made of only one type of particle.
- A pure substance has a fixed melting point and boiling point.
- Impurities change the melting and boiling point of a substance.
- Mass of substances that are mixed adds to give the total mass of the mixture (mass is conserved).
- Mass is measured with a balance in grams.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state, where they explored particle behaviour in different states and how materials change under various conditions. It enhances their understanding by focusing on the structure of atoms, elements, and compounds, and how these fundamental particles combine. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Understanding chemical reactions, where they will apply this knowledge to explore how atoms rearrange during chemical reactions, reinforcing the principles of matter and its transformations.
Prior knowledge requirements
- A pure substance is made of only one type of particle.
- A pure substance has a fixed melting point and boiling point.
- Impurities change the melting and boiling point of a substance.
- Mass of substances that are mixed adds to give the total mass of the mixture (mass is conserved).
- Mass is measured with a balance in grams.
Chemistry
Atoms, elements and compounds
This unit explores the basic atomic model, the differences between atoms, elements, and compounds, and the varying physical and chemical properties of elements. It covers chemical symbols, formulae, SI units, and IUPAC nomenclature, emphasising their use in describing elements and compounds.
9 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Atoms, elements and compounds unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.