Physical Science · Structure of Matter
Atoms, Elements & Molecules
Build and interpret particle models for simple molecules, distinguish elements and compounds using atom identity, compare discrete molecules with an extended structure, and identify what the models do not show literally.
Teacher workspace
Start with the lesson plan.
55 min~10 min prep4 materialsNGSS Middle School (Grades 6–8) Alignment · MS-PS1-1
Lesson Plan
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Lesson overview
What students will learn
- Use formulas to build models with the correct kinds and numbers of atoms.
- Distinguish element-only molecules, compound molecules, and extended structures from particle-level evidence.
Key science ideas
- Elements are defined by one kind of atom.
- Simple molecules contain specific numbers and kinds of atoms joined together.
- A chemical formula records composition, not the exact size, color, or spacing of atoms.
Lesson at a glance
- Grade 6
- 55 min
- ~10 min prep
- MS-PS1-1
- 4 materials
What’s included
- Lesson Plan
- Investigation
- Teacher Slides
- Printable Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key
- Interactive Activity
- Vocabulary