Learning Activity

How Do Compounds Combine?

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

8

Overview

This activity should be used as an Engage activity.  The students will recall a jigsaw puzzle has pieces that connect in a certain way.  Each piece of the puzzle is unique. The pieces fit together by sharing tabs with other pieces.  Once the puzzle has been completed, it looks very different from all the pieces that were used to create it.  Like the pieces of a puzzle, atoms can join together and form a compound by sharing electrons. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit. 

Science (2015) Grade(s): 8

SC15.8.1

Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models (e.g., molecular-level models, including drawings; computer representations) that illustrate the structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules.

Unpacked Content

UP:SC15.8.1

Vocabulary

  • Element
  • Atom
  • Protons
  • Nucleus
  • Electrons
  • Neutrons
  • Atomic number
  • Periodic table
  • Array
  • Atomic mass
  • Period
  • Group
  • Chemical properties
  • Physical properties
  • Molecule
  • Bond
  • Chemical bond
  • Valence electron
  • Ion
  • Ionic bond
  • Nonmetal
  • Metal
  • Covalent bond
  • Metallic bond
  • Conductivity

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Elements are substances composed of only one type of atom each having an identical number of protons in each nucleus.
  • Atoms are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements.
  • Atoms are made up of three particles: protons, neutrons and electrons.
  • The number of protons in an atom's nucleus is equal to the atomic number.
  • The periodic table arranges all the known elements in an informative array.
  • Elements are arranged left to right and top to bottom in order of increasing atomic number. Order generally coincides with increasing atomic mass.
  • Rows in the periodic table are called periods. As one moves from left to right in a given period, the chemical properties of the elements slowly change.
  • Columns in the periodic table are called groups. Elements in a given group in the periodic table share many similar chemical and physical properties.
  • The period number of an element signifies the highest energy level an electron in that element occupies (in the unexcited state). The number of electrons in a period increases as one traverses down the periodic table; therefore, as the energy level of the atom increases, the number of energy sub-levels per energy level increases.
  • A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together chemically.
  • A chemical bond is the result of different behaviors of the outermost or valence electrons of atoms.
  • Ionic bonds are the result of an attraction between ions that have opposite charges. Ionic bonds usually form between metals and nonmetals; elements that participate in ionic bonds are often from opposite ends of the periodic table. One example of a molecule that contains an ionic bond is table salt, NaCl.
  • Covalent bonds form when electrons are shared between atoms rather than transferred from one atom to another. The two bonds in a molecule of carbon dioxide, CO2, are covalent bonds.
  • Metallic bonds exist only in metals, such as aluminum, gold, copper, and iron. In metals, each atom is bonded to several other metal atoms, and their electrons are free to move throughout the metal structure. This special situation is responsible for the unique properties of metals, such as their high conductivity.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models of atomic and molecular structure, composition, and characteristics.
  • Identify the relevant components of the atomic and molecular models.
  • Describe relationships between components of the atomic and molecular models.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Patterns in the periodic table predict characteristic properties of elements. These trends exist because of the similar atomic structure of the elements within their respective group families or periods, and because of the periodic nature of the elements.
  • The structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules are dependent upon their position in the periodic table.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

I can recognize atoms form a compound by sharing electrons.

Activity Details

  1. Explain to students that they will be working against the clock to put a jigsaw puzzle together.
  2. Divide the students into groups of 2-4 to put a jigsaw puzzle together.
  3. Distribute the jigsaw puzzles.
  4. Set the timer and begin.
  5. The teacher will circulate around the room to make sure all groups are on task.
  6. Stop the timer once there is a winning group, but allow all the groups to complete their puzzles.
  7. Once all the puzzles have been completed, discuss with the students how the finished puzzle looks very different from all the pieces that were used to create it.
  8. Like the pieces of a puzzle, atoms can join together and form a compound by sharing electrons.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Determine if the students understand how the puzzle and compounds are similar by guiding the students in a class discussion or using Socrative.  Use the following open-ended questions on Socrative:

  1. How do puzzle pieces join together? Puzzle pieces join together when the tab of one piece fits into the slot of another.

  2. How do atoms join together? Atoms join together when they share valence electrons.
  3. How are puzzle pieces similar to atoms? They both make connections and create something.
  4. Which parts of the puzzle pieces are similar to the valence electrons in an atom? The tabs of a puzzle are like valence electrons.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Students should have prior knowledge of the following:

  • Students must have an understanding of valence electrons.
  • Students must have an understanding of chemical bonds.
  • Students must have an understanding of atoms.

 

Teachers should gather the following materials to complete this learning activity:

  1. Jigsaw Puzzles (I went to Dollar Tree and bought 48 piece puzzles for $1 each.)
  2. Timer
  3. Electronic devices for students to use for Socrative.

Digital Tools / Resources

How Do Compounds Combine?
https://socrative.com/

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

yvetteakridge
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