Inquiry question: What are materials made of?

1. How do atoms make up matter?

1.1 a) State that materials are made of atoms which are very small, and are themselves made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. 

b) Using the Periodic Table, draw atoms for elements 1- 20, showing the arrangement of protons, neutrons and electrons.

1.2 Outline a timeline of models of the atom (Democritus, Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr) including their strengths and limitations.

1.3 Describe and simulate Rutherford’s Gold Foil experiment.  

2.  How are elements classified in the Periodic Table?

2.1 Recall that an atom is the smallest unit of an element and is represented by a unique symbol.

2.2 Relate the position of elements in the Periodic Table, using their atomic number, number of electron shells, number of electrons in the outer shell.

2.3 Observe the physical properties of a range of elements to understand how elements are classified (e.g. states of matter, metallic character.)

2.3b   *Extension: Use the physical properties of a range of elements to develop classification of the elements, then compare this with the classification basis of the Periodic Table.

2.4 State the properties of the three (3) main types of elements and use the Periodic Table to predict whether a named element is a metal, metalloid (semi-metal) or non-metal.

2.5 Design and conduct an investigation to determine the relative activity of a range of metals.

2.6 Outline some examples to show how creativity, logic and the scientific evidence available at the time contributed to the development of the modern Periodic Table.

3.  How can elements change through radioactivity?

3.1 Define ‘isotope’ and ‘radioisotope’, and give examples.

3.2 Explain that natural radioactivity arises from the decay of nuclei in atoms, releasing particles and energy.

3.3 Identify examples of the medical and industrial use of nuclear energy.

3.3b *Extension: Assess examples of the medical and industrial uses of nuclear energy.

4.  What happens when elements combine to form compounds?

4.1 Recall the difference between physical and chemical changes.

4.2 Identify that a chemical reaction involves different types of atoms joining with other atoms or splitting apart from them.

4.3 Define ‘ion’, explain the formation of positive and negative ions, and give examples.

4.4 Draw models to compare ions and isotopes.

4.5 Define the terms reactants and products.

4.6 Identify that in chemical reactions the same atoms are present in reactants and products but are rearranged to form new substances.

4.7 Define the terms ‘endothermic’ and ‘exothermic’ in relation to energy during chemical reactions.

4.8 Make qualitative and quantitative observations of endothermic and exothermic reactions.

4.9 Identify that chemical reactions, such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, happen in living things

5. What happens when atoms mix?

5.1 Distinguish between an atom, element, molecule and compound, and give examples of each.

5.2 Recall that a mixture is a physical arrangement of atoms of different elements in the same place, that chemical bonds are not involved. 

5.3 Describe some common processes used to separate mixtures and identify the difference in physical property that makes the separation possible.

5.4 Define the term ‘alloy’, and identify components of some common alloys, e.g. bronze, brass, steel, and identify their uses. 

5.5 Outline the difference between a mixture and a compound in terms of the arrangement of atoms.

6. How are materials important in our world?

6.1 Name some significant and interesting materials that we extract from the spheres of our world.

6.2 For new materials, such as nitinol and hydrophobic materials, identify the reason for their development and investigate their properties.

6.3 Assess the impact on society and the environment of materials like oil, plastic, concrete, steel, synthetic fertilisers.

6.4 Analyse how social, ethical and environmental considerations can influence decisions about scientific research in the development and production of new materials.

6.5 Describe examples of how advances in materials science and technology have affected people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities.

6.6 Investigate, using scientific evidence, claims made in the media or advertising in relation to a new material.

7.  Working Scientifically Skills

7.1 Identify issues relating to reliability, accuracy and validity in designing fair tests for investigations.

7.2 Design, conduct and report on a fair test by:

a.       writing an aim and hypothesis

b.       identifying steps in a method and selecting appropriate equipment

c.       writing a risk assessment

d.       recording data and/or observations

e.       presenting data in relevant tables and graphs

f.        writing a discussion and conclusion to complete the experimental report.