English National Curriculum Science

4. Explain the differences between atoms, elements and compounds

Mission Objectives

Define keywords atom, element, molecule and compound

Describe the differences between atoms, elements and compounds

Use models to explain what an atom, element and compound are

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

View and print the lesson plan

Downloads

Save files related to this lesson

KS3-02-04 Handout KS3-02-04 Handout PDF

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

atom

The smallest building block from which everything is made

molecule

Made up of 2 or more atoms; these can be the same type or different

compound

Molecules made of two or more different types of atom.

element

A substance containing only one type of atom.

periodic table

An ordered arrangement of all the elements that have been discovered

Sponsored by

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

This lesson has been written by

Alison Green

Alison is a qualified secondary chemistry teacher and former scientist, seamlessly blending her background in scientific development with a passion for education. With over 15 years of teaching experience across state and independent schools, including most recently at Stafford Grammar School, Alison specialises in equipping students with the tools to excel in Chemistry at KS3, GCSE and A-levels. Her transition to online education, backed by a Master’s degree, has spurred her transition to freelance content creation and chemistry tutoring, tapping into a wealth of examining experience spanning over ten years to steer students towards their desired academic and professional paths.

When she's not shaping young minds, Alison unwinds by exploring the natural beauty of the Shropshire hills and embracing the tranquillity of Tai Chi, mirroring the balance she instils in her educational endeavours.

Required Resources

Resources: Sticky notes and mini whiteboards. Materials for the Mission Assignment, such as building blocks - plastic connecting or polystyrene balls and cocktail sticks.

Core Handout: Handout contains space for students to draw their diagrams and answer questions. 

Warning: You are now leaving Developing Experts.

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval from Developing Experts of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organisation or individual.

Developing Experts bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

You will be redirected to:

Expert film

Mission assignment film

Exemplar Work

View some great examples of student work from this unit

No exemplar works have been uploaded for this lesson yet.

Careers related to this lesson

Operations Support Worker

Nuclear Decomissioning Operative

Nuclear Decomissioning Team Leader

Nuclear Decomissioning Site Engineer

Manager of Production or Maintenance

Technical or Production Director