Science attempts to make sense of the complexity in the diversity of things in the world by organising them based on their common characteristics. However, some phenomena may not fit neatly into pre-determined categories. In cases of such exceptions, critical debate within the scientific community helps us to make a relatively considered and objective judgment. Hence, we are able to understand the world around us better and, in turn, are inspired and empowered to improve our lives and our world.

● How does the diversity of things contribute to our lives?

● How do we classify things in our world?

● How do we find out the properties and characteristics of things around us?

● The diversity of the rich resources in the natural world is important for the continual survival of living things.

● We have to use nature’s resources responsibly and sustainably, e.g., applying the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).

● We continually seek to understand the complexity in the natural world by studying it in a systematic manner.

Chapter 2: Exploring Diversity of Matter by its Physical Properties

Chapter 3: Exploring Diversity of Matter by its Chemical Composition

Chapter 4: Exploring Diversity of Matter by Separation Techniques