Name: _____________________________
Performance Assessment
Period #: ______
Standards Addressed: Atom Basics
Learning Objective: Visualize the difference in composition of atoms, elements, compounds,
molecules, and mixtures.
Materials:
 Multicolored Marshmallows (5 colors)
 Spaghetti


Construction Paper
Glue
Directions: Divide a piece of construction paper like the example on the back of this page.
Using the chart of marshmallow colors and elements, construct atoms, elements, molecules,
compounds, and mixtures using the rubric.
Color of Marshmallow
Fe
O
H
Na
Cl
Element it represents
Orange
White
Yellow
Green
Pink
Rubric:
 Marshmallow chart
o Create a table for the Marshmallow chart.
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o Write the 6 phrases as they appear on the example under the
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Column titled “Basic Atom Vocabulary.”
o Write the 6 phrases as they appear on the example under the
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Column titled “Marshmallow Visual.”
 Construct each of the atoms, elements, molecules,
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compounds, or mixtures as indicated in italics on the example.
Use pieces of spaghetti to connect them.
o Draw a diagram of each of the marshmallow visuals in the column
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labeled “Labeled Picture.”
 Make sure to label the atoms and show how they make
compounds, molecules, or mixtures.
 Concept Map
o Create a table for the concept map.
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o Create a concept map to show how atoms, elements, molecules,
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compounds, and mixtures (5 pts) relate to one another. Use
arrows (1 pt) and connecting words (2 pts) to show the relationships.
 Written Reflection
o In words, explain how atoms, elements, molecules, compounds,
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and mixtures relate to one another (5 pts). Use complete
sentences (1 pt).
Total Points: ______/55
Marshmallow Chart
Basic Atom Vocabulary
Marshmallow Visual
A single atom
Cl atom
Make 4 atoms of Cl
Atoms of an Element
Fe Element
Make 4 atoms of iron (Fe)
Molecules of an Element
O2 Molecules
Make 3 Molecules of O2
Compound and a Molecule
Salt (NaCl) Compound
3 molecules of salt (NaCl)
Mixture
Salt Water Mixture.
Make 2 molecules of NaCl and 2
molecules of H2O
Labeled picture
Concept Map Relating Basic Atom Vocabulary
Written Reflection of How the Basic Atom Vocabulary Relates
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