Science at key stage 3 (Year 8)
Unit 8E: Atoms and elements
Section 5: How do we get all the other materials?
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Objectives |
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- that new materials are formed when atoms join together in different ways
- that compounds are formed when atoms combine
- that atoms can combine to form molecules
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Remind pupils of all the materials they mentioned in the first activity and ask them to suggest how these might be made from the limited number of atoms of different kinds. Remind them of the earlier activity using bricks as models and of some of the 'materials' that were made from bricks of different kinds.
- Establish the idea that when these materials are made the atoms combine or join. Introduce the terms 'molecule' and 'compound', show models or photographs of models, of simple and more complicated molecules, to illustrate the point. If possible also provide samples of the compounds and their formulae.
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- explain the existence of compounds in terms of atoms joining together
- describe compounds,
eg water is made of hydrogen and oxygen joined together
- describe some simple molecules,
eg carbon dioxide is made of one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms
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Points to note |
- It may be helpful if pupils make their own models of some simple molecules and relate these to their chemical formulae.
- Some teachers may want to include models of giant ionic/covalent structures. It is not necessary at this stage to explain the difference, although it is important to avoid talking about a molecule of sodium chloride, for example.
- Extension: pupils could find out about 'new' compounds (there are about 5000 registered each day).
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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