Middle School Science Blog

UPDATED JULY 2016

Materials

Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures –

• NEW: Google Slides – Public Link
• Sorting/Task Cards and answers (pdf) – laminate and cut apart, 1 set per 2-4 students
• NEW: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures Notes
• E, C, M, ? (pdf) – laminated or glued onto construction paper, cut apart, 1 set per group
• OLD: PPT Slides (ppt – read only access)
  • this ppt can be downloaded and saved to your computer, but not modified
  • click on ‘read only‘ to open the ppt after downloading
• OLD: Notes (pdf)

Note: I modified this lesson to add a hands-on component with the addition of task cards that students can sort at their desks. I use this lesson as a group work activity to introduce Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures.

Procedures:

1. Each group will have one set of task cards and one set of ECM? cards to hold up.
2. Students will sort the items pictured into 4 columns: Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, and “?”. (The “?” category is a temporary place holder for students to discuss further within their group, all items should be sorted before answers are revealed)
3. Once all the groups have had a chance to discuss and sort the items, we will go over the answers as a class.
4. Using the ppt, show the first item (Rocks). Ask each group to choose one of the E,C, or M cards.
5. Have them place the “?” in front of their answer. (this prevents the other groups from seeing their answer) A spokesperson for each group will stand up and hold the ECM? cards.
6. Ask all the groups to reveal their answer at the same time. Compare answers & discuss.
7. Reveal the answer and have students record the results in their notes.
8. If needed, have students move the card to the correct category on their desk, too.
9. For fun, I award a point to each group that has a correct answer, the kids enjoy a little friendly competition :).
10. Continue with the next slide (Copper) and repeat.

For more lessons related to Chemistry, click on the Chemistry or Properties of Matter Tabs up above.