The Classifying Matter “Nuts-and-Bolts” Chemistry Demonstration Kit is the perfect introduction to teaching about elements, compounds and mixtures. Students will learn as they build visual connections between the real world and that of atoms and molecules.
The perfect introductory activity to teach elements, compounds and mixtures! What does an element look like? How is an element different from a compound? Bulk samples of an element, a compound and a mixture may look similar. When we ask students to classify matter using these concepts, we want them to see what they look like “on the inside”—to imagine atoms and molecules. Use this “nuts-and-bolts” demonstration to help students visualize abstract concepts relating to the classification of matter. Your students will be more successful in learning chemistry as they build visual connections between the real world and that of atoms and molecules. Teacher Demonstration Notes provided.
Concepts: Elements, compounds, mixtures, classification of matter. Time Required: 20 minutes Materials Provided: Bolts, nuts and washers to fit; plastic Petri dishes with covers.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Developing and using models
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter HS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and system models
Performance Expectations
MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
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