Unit 13 From Atoms to Materials
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13.1 Atoms and elements
Elements Recognise that all matter is composed of
small particles called atoms
Be aware of the relationship between elements and atoms
State the names and symbols for some common elements
Identify elements of metals, non-metals and semi-metals based on their physical properties
Perform practical work to classify samples of elements into metals and non-metals
Simple model of atom Describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons
State some characteristics of protons, neutrons and electrons
Be aware that atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Recognise that the mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and the number of neutrons
Watch video clips about the development of atomic model
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Ions Recognise that ions carry charges as they
have different number of protons and electrons
State the chemical symbols of simple ions
13.2 Periodic Table
The development of Periodic Table Recognise that Periodic Table is a way to organise elements in a systematic order
Be aware that scientists in the past organise elements according to the mass of atoms and their chemical properties
Recognise that the modern Periodic Table lists elements in order of increasing atomic number
Read stories about how scientists developed the Periodic Table
Groups in the Periodic Table Recognise that elements in the same group of the Periodic Table exhibit some common properties
Give examples of some elements in different groups and their daily applications
Perform practical works by putting magnesium, calcium and carbon into dilute hydrochloric acid respectively to identify the elements which have similar chemical properties
Search information on the properties and applications of elements using an
interactive Periodic Table
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Be aware that the chemical properties among elements in the same group are similar but with different reactivity
Perform practical work to compare the rate of production of hydrogen in the reactions of very dilute acids with magnesium and calcium respectively.
13.3 Mixtures and compounds Recognise that mixtures are formed when two or more substances mix with each other without the formation of a new substance
Be aware that compounds are formed by elements joining together chemically
Recognise that chemical change is a process in which new substances are formed in reactions
Be aware that physical change does not involve a change in chemical composition
Write balanced chemical equations for the reactions between elements to form compounds (sodium chloride, hydrogen chloride, water and carbon dioxide)
Distinguish between elements, compounds and mixtures
Watch a video clip of the separation of substances in milk by centrifugation
Perform practical work to obtain hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by the electrolysis of water
Perform practical work to compare the properties between a compound and its constituent elements (e.g. iron(II) sulphide, iron and sulphur)
Illustrate elements, compounds and mixture using interlocking bricks
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Classify different samples into elements, compounds and mixtures (e.g. sea water, air, sand, dry ice)
13.4 Metals
History of the use of metals Relate the use of metals to their ease of extraction and availability
Conduct a project to study the history of discovery and use of metals
Obtaining metals Recognise that some metals occur in their elemental forms in Nature while most exist as compounds
Outline the method of metal extraction using carbon
Search information on how to obtain metals from ores
Perform practical work to extract iron and copper from their ores using carbon
Perform practical work to distinguish a metal from its ore
Properties and uses of metals Relate the properties of metals to their uses
Perform practical work to compare the physical properties (e.g. strength, malleability, ductility, electrical
conductivity and thermal conductivity) of some metals
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13.5 Materials of the modern world
Alloys Recognise that alloys are made by adding
other elements into metals for the improvement of the properties of the metals
Give examples of alloys and their common uses
Search information about the invention of new alloys and their uses
Useful materials from crude oil Recognise crude oil as a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules of different sizes
Relate the physical properties of the hydrocarbons to their sizes
Recognise that fractional distillation is the method for separating crude oil into different fractions
State some major uses (e.g. fuels, solvents and raw materials for making plastics) of the different fractions
Recognise that plastics are
macromolecules made by joining up many hydrocarbon molecules
Perform a demonstration on the fractional distillation of crude oil
Perform a fair test to find out the best solvents for removing oil stain on a cloth
Design and make a paper weight using epoxy resin or polystyrene
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Give examples of plastics (e.g. PE and PVC) and their usage
Be aware that new plastics are invented based on the emerging needs in our society
Search information on examples of plastics and the advancement in new plastics invention
Environmental problems associated with the use of materials
Describe some environmental problems associated with the use of materials (e.g.
plastics, metals)
State some solutions to the problems of using materials (e.g. plastics, metals)
Search information on the environmental problems associated with the use of plastics and metals
Watch video clips on the recycling of plastics and metals
Propose a feasible plan to reduce the use of plastics or metals in daily life
Unit 14 Light, Colours and Beyond