9/15/10
Catalyst
Models
3. Classification Activity
1.
2.
Matter
The atoms and molecules that make up our
surroundings.
Chemistry is the study of matter
We need to be able to describe what
it’s made of, how it works and what it
looks like!
So, where are we?
What we’ve learned…
How to classify matter into states:
solid, liquid, gases. (the big picture)
Where we’re going…
Taking a closer look – groups of atoms
and molecules
What we’re doing today
As scientists, we make decisions based
upon what we observe (colors, changes,
textures, etc.)
But can we see atoms?
NO!
Today we’ll be using models to examine
matter and how it interacts.
Part 1: Modeling Atoms

Each group has a set of dishes filled with
beads – these are our samples of matter

Each atom is represented by one bead

Each compound (groups of atoms bound
together) is represented by a group of
beads

Compounds and atoms are both particles. So,
single beads and groups of beads are also
particles in our model!
Do not open the petri dishes!
Part 2: Pure Substance vs.
Mixture
Pure substance: all particles of matter
are identical
Mixture: a physical blend of two or
more pure substances in any
proportion
Your group task: take 4 minutes to sort
your petri dishes into two groups: pure
substances and mixtures. Write the
symbols from the petri dishes onto your
worksheet according to how you grouped
them.
ELEMENTS, COMPOUNDS, & MIXTURES
ACTIVITY
SORT DISHES INTO TWO GROUPS,
MIXTURES AND PURE SUBSTANCES.
MIXTURE
PURE SUBSTANCE
Part 3: Pure substances:
Elements vs. Compounds
Pure substances can be classified into two
sub-categories:
Element: substances made from one type
of atom
Compound: substances made from one or
more types of atoms, chemically bound
together
Your group task: take 4 minutes to list the
pure substances you classified in Part 1,
then categorize them into elements and
compounds. Once you have sorted them, list
the formulas from the petri dishes onto your
worksheet in Part 2.
ELEMENTS, COMPOUNDS, & MIXTURES
ACTIVITY
SORT PURE SUBSTANCE GROUP INTO TWO SUBGROUPS.
NON-MIXTURES – PURE SUBSTANCE
Elements
Compounds
Part 4: Elements, Compounds
and Mixtures
Group task: Based on the groups you
just made, take 5 minutes to fill in
the table in Part 3 on your worksheet
with drawings of the samples and
their formulas.
For example,
was classified as
a compound, so I would draw it in a
box in the compound row of the table
and write it’s symbol
ELEMENTS, COMPOUNDS, & MIXTURES
ACTIVITY (Part 3)
MIXTURES
NON-MIXTURES – PURE
SUBSTANCE
ELEMENT
COMPOUND
Part 5: Summary
Reflection: Take a minute to think about
something new that you’ve learned today.
Flow chart
 Based on the work we’ve done today,
create a flow diagram that organizes
matter
 Must include the words: Matter, elements,
pure substances, compounds and
mixtures
Example Flow Chart
School
Principals
and Vice
Principals
Students
Boys
Teachers
Girls
Matter Flow Chart
Matter, Elements, Pure Substances,
Mixtures, Compounds
MATTER
PURE
SUBSTANCE
ELEMENT
MIXTURE
COMPOUND