Atom: The smallest particle of an element that still retains its properties. Matter: Anything that occupies space and has mass. Element: A substance consisting of atoms that all have the same number of protons.
Concepts:
Made of only one type of atom. There are only about 118 different elements on Earth. Examples: Aluminum (Al), Nickel (Ni), Hydrogen (H)
Elements
What do you think is the most interesting thing about atoms in science?
- The fact that they are so small
- That they are the building blocks of all matter
- The fact that they contain protons, neutrons and electrons
- The way that they combine to form different materials
The human body is made up of millions of billions of atoms! Atoms are so small, it would take over a billion to cover the head of a pin! Nearly 99% of an atom is empty space!
Fun facts:
Draw / write: What do you know about atoms and their role in science?
Draw / write: What are the different parts of an atom and what are their roles?
How do atoms affect our everyday lives?
Can you think of examples of how atoms are used in science today?