English National Curriculum Science

5. Represent chemicals with symbols and formulae

Mission Objectives

Identify the name of an element from its chemical symbol and vise versa

Recognise chemical symbols

Represent compounds using formulae

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KS3-02-05 Handout PDF KS3-02-05 Handout

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

chemical formula

A shorthand way of writing down the elements that make up a substance and how many of each element there are

chemical symbol

An abbreviation or short representation of a chemical element; the symbols in the periodic table

bond

A strong force of attraction holding atoms together in a molecule

sodium

An element that is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal

chlorine

An element that is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and highly toxic

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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: A periodic table.

Core Handout: A series of questions related to the periodic table of elements. The students are to identify selected chemical symbols and elements and determine how many atoms are in selected compounds. 

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