Matter: Particles, Compounds, and Molecules

 Matter is one key module in Apologia’s General Science, Physical Science, and Chemistry curriculums.  One tool I use is POGIL, first introduced in College Chemistry.  Try Classification of Matter, which has the teacher’s notes and answers.  POGIL start with models.  All of the information is on the page.  You don’t need to research any of the terms.  However, feel free!  It’s fine to check your answers as you work through the exercise.  Here is a classification of matter lab with an answer key.  Here is a Nuts ‘n Bolts activity below, similar to Classifying Matter and this Worksheet and Key.  Finally, this lab, Element, Mixture, Compound Activity, uses ordinary household materials: salt, egg shell, water, bag of air, baking soda, etc.  The notes explain which substances are elements, mixtures, or compounds.  (BTW, air is a mixture of gases; some gases are diatomic molecules, such as oxygen or nitrogen which is their elemental state.  Stick with air as a mixture of gases.  Carbon dioxide in air is a molecular compound.)