GRADE 8 STRUCTURE AND CHANGES OF MATTER

At the conclusion of this unit you will understand that…

• Matter has many forms, phases, and properties.

Inquiring scientific minds will be able to answer these essential questions...

• How is matter structured?
• What are matter’s properties?
• How does energy’s absorption or release affect the behavior of matter?
• How have the models of matter changed over time?
• What is the relationship among atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and mixtures?
• How is the periodic table organized?
• How can matter be organized by its chemical and physical properties?
• What is the Law of Conversation of Mass and why is it important?

Key Scientific Concepts/Vocabulary…

Matter	atoms	molecules	elements
compounds	mixtures	atomic model	law of conservation of matter
inference	models	metal	nonmetal
metalloid	alloy	dissolving/reacting	chemical properties
particles	periodic table	electrolysis	chemical equation
precipitate	observation	atomos	physical properties
Dilution	luster	malleability	tensile strength

Young chemists will be able to….

• Perform a variety of tests in order to identify substances.
• Design and implement an experiment.
• Demonstrate safe lab practices.
• Break down compounds using electricity, heat and acids.

Accurately and precisely measure mass.