Elements are the basic building blocks of everything around us, including solids, liquids, and gases. They are pure substances made up of just one kind of atom. This means they cannot be broken down into simpler substances or changed into something else without losing their special qualities.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #20: Elements

2. The  periodic table, organizes all discovered elements in rows (called periods) and columns (called groups) according to increasing atomic number. Scientists use the periodic table to quickly refer to information about an element, like atomic mass and chemical symbol. Record the bolded words on your recording sheet.

3. Watch this video. Respond to this prompt on your recording sheet: What is an element, and how does it differ from a compound?

4. To earn this mini spark, choose an activity to complete.

• Explore this element webpage to research an element that is new to you. Click the element you want to learn more about.  Make a colorful learning page with 10 details about the element you choose.
• Review the elements on this webpage.  Choose one element and research that element. Make a quiz game for it using what you have learned. Write 5 questions with answers on your recording page.
•  Learn more about atoms at this page. Make an atom fact list with 10 items on your recording page.

5. Share your science mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.