S3.6.1 For the adult
Elements and compounds
Gold, water and air are all made of tiny particles. Are the particles inside them all the same kind?
What this chapter teaches
An element has only one kind of atom, such as gold, iron, carbon or oxygen. A compound has atoms of different elements joined together, such as water, H₂O, made of small groups that are all alike. Some compounds, such as salt, are one big block of joined atoms. A compound behaves differently from the elements it is made of.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What is the difference between an element and a compound?
- Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen. Why does water put out a fire?
- Can you name three elements and say where you meet them?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain that an element has only one kind of atom
- Name common elements, such as oxygen, carbon, iron and gold
- Explain that a compound has elements joined together, such as water
What they copy into their notebook
An element has one kind of atom. A compound has different atoms joined, such as water, H₂O. A compound is not like the elements in it.