Atoms and elements
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what a chemical element is and give some examples.
Key learning points
- All matter is made up of atoms.
- Dalton’s model of an atom is of a sphere that cannot be broken up.
- An element is made up of only one type of atom.
- Each element is made of a different type of atom.
Keywords
Matter - Everything is made up of matter.
Atom - An atom is the building block of all matter.
Element - Each element is made up of only one type of atom.
Common misconception
Pupils often struggle with the idea of how small an atom actually is.
Use examples to show how many atoms make up certain things, e.g. a cell or a grain of sand.
Teacher tip
Stress that only specialist microscopes (electron microscopes) capable of extensive magnification must be used in order to see an atom.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the apparatus to its use.
Q2.What happens to the overall mass when substances are mixed together?
Q3.Order the different units of mass from smallest to largest.
Q4.Which of the following is a feature of a pure substance?
Q5.Everything is made up of particles. The shape of a particle is 3D and is represented as a ...
Q6.Which of the following diagrams represents more than one substance?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the basic building block of all matter?
Q2.Match the word to its definition.
Q3.According to Dalton's model of an atom, how are atoms represented?
Q4.Arrange the following in order of size from smallest to largest.
Q5.Match the following symbols to the element.
Q6.Which of the following statements are correct?
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Atoms and elements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Atoms and elements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Atoms, elements and compounds unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.