Topic 7 · Atoms, elements, molecules and compounds — the scripts
What you are deciding: go-ahead for video generation on this topic, card by card.
Out of scope: articles and PP100 items (not on this page).
Here: the intro video, 8 lesson videos (5 marked by the author as “could do without a video”) and the summary video, in teaching order. Each card: the script, the attached question, then the quiz the student meets after the video.
How: tap one button per card. Taps and notes save as you go and are sent; the Notes tab shows what has gone and re-sends.
Introduction: Atoms, elements, molecules and compounds
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Here is a student in a kitchen with a sugar cube and a spoon. | [a kitchen counter; a student; a sugar cube on a plate; a spoon] |
| She presses the cube, and it breaks into grains. She grinds the grains, and they turn into a fine powder. | [the spoon presses; grains; the spoon grinds; powder] |
| Each piece is smaller than the last, so could she keep breaking it up forever, or is there a smallest piece of sugar? | [a pinch of powder; question mark] |
| The same question goes for the spoon, the water in the tap, and everything else around you. | [the spoon; a running tap; the room behind] |
| To find out, we will look at what the smallest piece of a material is, and what a drawing of those pieces tells you about a substance. | [the plate of powder stays] |
| Okay, so are you ready to find out whether the breaking ever stops? | [the three replies appear] |
The ready line's poll — the attached item (no key; the intro teaches nothing)
Okay, so are you ready to find out whether the breaking ever stops?
- A Yes, let's go! — Great. Here we go.
- B Not sure yet — That's fine. We take it one cut at a time.
- C Let me watch that again — Good idea. Watch it again, then come back.
Answer
No key. A poll: every reply is accepted with its friendly line.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
What an atom is
MAT-042 · What an atom is — State what an atom is.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| A student unrolls a strip of aluminum foil and cuts it in half. | [a strip of foil; scissors cut it] |
| She cuts one half in half again, and again, and again. | [the strips halve: 1 cut, 2 cuts, 3 cuts, 4 cuts] |
| The pieces get smaller each time. Could she keep cutting forever? | [the smallest strip; question mark] |
| No, the cutting has an end. | [the smallest strip holds] |
| All matter is made of particles that are far too small to see. | [a zoom circle opens on the strip] |
| After many cuts, each piece is still made of many particles. | [zoom: a piece full of gray circles; key chip: GRAY CIRCLE = ALUMINUM ATOM] |
| Keep cutting in your mind, and in the end one piece is a single aluminum particle. | [dots for many cuts; then ONE gray circle] |
| The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is called an atom. | [chip: ATOM, under the one gray circle] |
| Every material is made of atoms. | [a nail: chip IRON ATOMS; a zoom on air, one joined pair: chip OXYGEN ATOMS] |
| For aluminum, one particle is one atom. | [one gray circle] |
| For water, one particle is a few atoms joined together. | [beside it a group of three circles touching] |
| In these drawings an atom is a circle; every atom of one kind has the same size and shade, and the words under the drawing say which kind. | [the key: gray circle; large open circle; small dark circle; under it the words ONE ATOM OF ALUMINUM, IN THIS DRAWING] |
| Joined atoms are drawn touching; atoms that are not joined are drawn apart. | [a pair touching, labeled JOINED; a pair apart, labeled NOT JOINED] |
| So, every material is made of atoms. The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is one atom. | [the rule slide: the halving strip ending on the one gray circle; chip ATOM; nothing else printed] |
| So on the strip, the cutting ends at one atom; she cannot cut forever. | [the halving strip ending on the one atom] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: bullets — • Every material is made of atoms. • The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is one atom.] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
A strip of aluminum foil is cut in half again and again. What is the last, smallest piece that is still aluminum?
- A a speck of dust
- B one atom of aluminum
- C a piece of nothing
Answer
Key: B — one atom of aluminum
Cut the strip in half again and again, and in the end one piece is a single atom.
The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is one atom.
Feedback per option
- A A speck of dust holds more atoms than there are people on Earth.
- B The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is one atom.
- C The cutting ends at one atom, a real piece of aluminum.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 10 items
A wool sock is made of particles far too small to see. True or false?
- A true
- B false
Answer
Key: A — true
A wool sock is matter.
So the sock is made of particles too.
Feedback per option
- A All matter is made of particles that are far too small to see, wool included.
- B The sock is matter, and all matter is made of particles far too small to see.
The smallest piece of iron that is still iron is called an…
Typed answer
Answer
Accepted: atom · an atom · iron atom · an iron atom
Every material is made of atoms.
What is an atom?
- A a piece of material just too small to see with your eyes
- B a grain of dust, too small to see clearly
- C the smallest piece of iron that is still iron
Answer
Key: C — the smallest piece of iron that is still iron
Every material is made of atoms.
A speck of dust is far bigger than an atom: it holds a huge number of them.
Feedback per option
- A A piece just too small to see still holds a huge number of atoms.
- B A grain of dust holds more atoms than there are people on Earth.
- C Cut iron down and down, and the last piece that is still iron is one atom.
Is a grain of sand made of atoms?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Sand is a material.
So a grain of sand is made of atoms.
Feedback per option
- A Every material is made of atoms, sand included.
- B Sand is a material, and every material is made of atoms.
Break a lump of lead into smaller and smaller pieces, in your mind. Is there a smallest piece that is still lead?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Each break makes a smaller piece of lead.
In the end one piece is a single lead atom: the smallest piece that is still lead.
Feedback per option
- A The smallest piece that is still lead is one lead atom.
- B Lead is made of lead atoms, and one lead atom is the smallest piece that is still lead.
Can you see a single atom with a magnifying glass?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
A magnifying glass shows far bigger things, such as specks of dust.
So a single atom cannot be seen with a magnifying glass.
Feedback per option
- A Atoms are far too small to see, even with a school microscope.
- B A magnifying glass shows specks of dust, and one speck holds a huge number of atoms.
The air is a gas. Which statement is correct?
- A The air is made of atoms.
- B Only solids and liquids are made of atoms.
- C The air is made of nothing at all.
Answer
Key: A — The air is made of atoms.
The air is a material: a gas.
So the air is made of atoms.
Feedback per option
- A Every material is made of atoms, and the air is a material.
- B A gas is a material too, so the air is made of atoms.
- C The air is a material: a gas, and every material is made of atoms.
One atom of iron is drawn as a circle. Two iron atoms joined together are drawn as…
- A two circles touching
- B two circles apart
- C one circle with a line through it
Answer
Key: A — two circles touching
Atoms that are joined together are drawn touching.
So two joined iron atoms are two circles touching.
Feedback per option
- A Atoms that are joined together are drawn touching.
- B Circles apart mean atoms that are not joined.
- C Each atom is its own circle; joined atoms are drawn touching.
Callum snips a strip of copper into smaller and smaller pieces. He says: "I could keep cutting forever; there is no smallest piece of copper." Is Callum correct?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
The smallest piece of copper that is still copper is one atom.
So the cutting ends at one atom, and Callum is not correct.
Feedback per option
- A The cutting has an end. One copper atom is the smallest piece that is still copper; anything smaller is not copper.
- B There is a smallest piece: one copper atom. Anything smaller is not copper, so the cutting cannot go on forever.
A gold earring is made of gold atoms. Which is smaller: one gold atom, or the smallest speck of gold you can see?
- A the speck
- B the atom
- C both are the same size
Answer
Key: B — the atom
The smallest speck of gold you can see holds a huge number of gold atoms.
So one gold atom is far smaller than the speck.
Feedback per option
- A The smallest speck you can see still holds a huge number of gold atoms.
- B Atoms are far too small to see; a visible speck holds a huge number of them.
- C A speck you can see is far bigger than one atom.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
The smallest piece that is still copper
MAT-042b · Identify the smallest particle of an element — Identify the smallest particle of a given element that still counts as that element.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Here is a copper kettle. | [a copper kettle; a zoom circle full of gray circles; key chip: GRAY CIRCLE = COPPER ATOM] |
| Every material is made of atoms, and the kettle is made of copper atoms. | [chip: COPPER ATOMS] |
| Take one copper atom out of the kettle, in your mind. Is that one atom still copper? | [one gray circle lifted out; question mark] |
| Yes, one copper atom on its own is still copper. | [the one gray circle; tick; label STILL COPPER] |
| One atom is the smallest piece of copper there can be. | [label: THE SMALLEST PIECE] |
| Now imagine a piece even smaller than one atom. Is that piece still copper? | [a dashed circle inside the atom; question mark] |
| No, a piece smaller than one copper atom is not copper anymore. | [the dashed circle; cross; label NOT COPPER; chip: COPPER STOPS AT THE ATOM] |
| Now consider a gold earring: one gold atom is still gold. | [earring; one gray circle, key chip: GRAY CIRCLE = GOLD ATOM; tick under STILL GOLD?] |
| And a hundred gold atoms are still gold. | [a scatter of circles, tick] |
| A piece smaller than one gold atom is not gold. | [dashed circle; cross] |
| Now consider a silver bracelet: one silver atom is still silver. | [bracelet; one gray circle, key chip: GRAY CIRCLE = SILVER ATOM; tick under STILL SILVER?] |
| And anything smaller than one atom is not silver. | [dashed circle, cross] |
| Here's the pattern. One atom of copper is the smallest piece that is still copper; anything smaller is not copper. | [the rule slide: the one copper atom with its tick and the dashed circle with its cross; chip COPPER STOPS AT THE ATOM; nothing else printed] |
| The same is true of gold and silver: the smallest piece that is still that substance is one atom. | [the three cases under STILL COPPER?, STILL GOLD?, STILL SILVER?] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: one line — “One atom of copper is the smallest piece that is still copper; anything smaller is not copper.”] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
One copper atom is taken out of a copper kettle. Is that one atom still copper?
- A yes, still copper
- B no, not copper anymore
Answer
Key: A — yes, still copper
The atom taken out is one whole atom.
So it is still copper.
Feedback per option
- A One copper atom is the smallest piece that is still copper.
- B Only a piece smaller than one atom is not copper.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 11 items
Which of these is true of every material, from wood to gold to air?
- A It is made of atoms.
- B It is made of water.
- C It is a solid.
Answer
Key: A — It is made of atoms.
Wood, gold and air are all materials.
So each of them is made of atoms.
Feedback per option
- A Every material is made of atoms.
- B Water is one material, and water is itself made of atoms.
- C Air is a gas, and air is made of atoms too.
What is the smallest piece of iron that is still iron?
- A one iron atom
- B the smallest speck of iron you can see
- C there is no smallest piece
Answer
Key: A — one iron atom
One iron atom is still iron.
Anything smaller than one atom is not iron, so one atom is the smallest piece.
Feedback per option
- A One iron atom is still iron; anything smaller is not iron.
- B A speck you can see holds a huge number of iron atoms.
- C Iron stops at the atom: one atom is the smallest piece.
Is one atom of gold still gold?
- A yes, still gold
- B no, not gold anymore
Answer
Key: A — yes, still gold
One gold atom is the smallest piece that is still gold.
So one atom of gold is still gold.
Feedback per option
- A One gold atom is the smallest piece that is still gold.
- B One atom is still gold; only a piece smaller than an atom is not.
Are a hundred gold atoms together still gold?
- A yes, still gold
- B no, not gold anymore
Answer
Key: A — yes, still gold
A hundred gold atoms together are a tiny piece of gold.
So the piece is still gold.
Feedback per option
- A A hundred gold atoms are a tiny piece of gold, still gold.
- B Each of the hundred atoms is gold, so together they are still gold.
Is a piece smaller than one gold atom still gold?
- A yes, still gold
- B no, not gold anymore
Answer
Key: B — no, not gold anymore
The piece is smaller than one atom.
So the piece is not gold anymore.
Feedback per option
- A Gold stops at the atom: a piece smaller than one atom is not gold.
- B The smallest piece of gold is one atom; anything smaller is not gold.
Is a piece smaller than one silver atom still silver?
- A yes, still silver
- B no, not silver anymore
Answer
Key: B — no, not silver anymore
The piece is smaller than one atom.
So the piece is not silver anymore.
Feedback per option
- A Silver stops at the atom: a piece smaller than one atom is not silver.
- B The smallest piece of silver is one atom; anything smaller is not silver.
Is one atom of silver still silver?
- A yes, still silver
- B no, not silver anymore
Answer
Key: A — yes, still silver
One silver atom is the smallest piece that is still silver.
So one atom of silver is still silver.
Feedback per option
- A One silver atom is the smallest piece that is still silver.
- B One atom is still silver; only a piece smaller than an atom is not.
Is a whole silver bracelet, made of a huge number of silver atoms, still silver?
- A yes, still silver
- B no, not silver anymore
Answer
Key: A — yes, still silver
Silver atoms together are silver.
So the whole bracelet is still silver.
Feedback per option
- A Every atom in the bracelet is a silver atom, so the bracelet is silver.
- B A huge number of silver atoms together are still silver.
Is one atom of iron still iron?
- A yes, still iron
- B no, not iron anymore
Answer
Key: A — yes, still iron
One iron atom is the smallest piece that is still iron.
So one atom of iron is still iron.
Feedback per option
- A One iron atom is the smallest piece that is still iron.
- B One atom is still iron; only a piece smaller than an atom is not.
Is half of one iron atom still iron?
- A yes, still iron
- B no, not iron anymore
Answer
Key: B — no, not iron anymore
Half of one atom is smaller than one atom.
So half an iron atom is not iron anymore.
Feedback per option
- A Iron stops at the atom: half an atom is smaller than one atom, so it is not iron.
- B Half of one atom is smaller than the smallest piece of iron, so it is not iron.
Nia says: "Half of a gold atom is a smaller piece of gold, so it is still gold." Is Nia correct?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
Half of one atom is smaller than one atom.
So half a gold atom is not gold, and Nia is not correct.
Feedback per option
- A Smaller than an atom is not a smaller piece of gold. One gold atom is the smallest piece that is still gold, so half an atom is not gold.
- B Gold stops at the atom. One gold atom is the smallest piece that is still gold, so half an atom is not gold.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
One kind of atom: an element
MAT-043 · Element — Identify which substances are elements based on whether they contain only one kind of atom.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Here are three drawings of three materials. | [three boxes: gray singles; large open pairs; large-open-and-two-dark groups; key chips beside them: GRAY CIRCLE = CARBON ATOM, LARGE OPEN CIRCLE = OXYGEN ATOM, SMALL DARK CIRCLE = HYDROGEN ATOM] |
| In drawing 1 every atom is the same size and shade. | [drawing 1 highlighted] |
| In drawing 2 the atoms sit in pairs, but every atom is still the same kind. | [drawing 2 highlighted] |
| In drawing 3 there are two kinds of atom. Which drawings show only one kind of atom? | [drawing 3 highlighted; question mark] |
| Drawings 1 and 2 do, and drawing 3 does not. | [ticks on 1 and 2; cross on 3] |
| Count the kinds of atom in each drawing. | [labels appear one by one: ONE KIND, ONE KIND, TWO KINDS] |
| A substance made of only one kind of atom is called an element. | [chip: ELEMENT] |
| Drawings 1 and 2 show elements; drawing 3 does not. | [ticks on 1 and 2 under ONE KIND OF ATOM?; cross on 3] |
| Drawing 4, small dark circles only, is an element. | [drawing 4, tick] |
| Drawing 5, two kinds not joined, is not an element. | [drawing 5, cross] |
| The oxygen in the air is an element: every atom is an oxygen atom, in joined pairs. | [box: OXYGEN, open pairs; tick] |
| The carbon in charcoal is an element: every atom is a carbon atom. | [box: CARBON, gray singles; tick] |
| Carbon dioxide has carbon atoms and oxygen atoms joined, two kinds, so it is not an element. | [box: CARBON DIOXIDE, gray between two open; cross] |
| So, here's what we've seen. A substance made of only one kind of atom is called an element. | [the rule slide: drawings 2 and 3 with their tick and cross; chip ELEMENT; nothing else printed] |
| So drawings 1 and 2 show elements, and drawing 3 does not. | [the three drawings with their verdicts] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: one line — “A substance made of only one kind of atom is called an element.”] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
In a particle drawing every atom is the same kind, joined in pairs. Does the drawing show an element?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
The drawing shows one kind of atom, in joined pairs.
So the drawing shows an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of atom makes an element, joined in pairs or not.
- B Joined or single makes no difference: one kind of atom makes an element.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 12 items
A piece smaller than one silver atom. Is it still silver?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
The piece is smaller than one atom.
So the piece is not silver.
Feedback per option
- A Silver stops at the atom: one silver atom is the smallest piece that is still silver.
- B The smallest piece of silver is one atom, so a smaller piece is not silver.
A substance made of only one kind of atom is called an…
Typed answer
Answer
Accepted: element · an element
A scientist calls a substance an element. What does she mean?
- A Its atoms are not joined to each other.
- B Every atom in it is the same kind.
- C It is a metal.
Answer
Key: B — Every atom in it is the same kind.
Whether the atoms are single or joined makes no difference.
Some elements are metals, and some, such as oxygen, are not.
Feedback per option
- A Joined or single makes no difference; the oxygen in the air is an element with its atoms in pairs.
- B Count the kinds of atom: one kind makes an element.
- C Oxygen and carbon are elements, and neither is a metal.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: A — yes, an element
Every circle is a gray circle of the same size: one kind.
One kind of atom makes an element.
Feedback per option
- A Every circle is the same gray circle: one kind of atom.
- B Every atom is the same kind, so the drawing shows an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: A — yes, an element
Every circle is a small dark circle: one kind, joined in pairs.
Joined or not, one kind of atom makes an element.
Feedback per option
- A Every atom is a small dark circle, joined in pairs: one kind of atom.
- B The atoms are joined in pairs, but every atom is the same kind.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: B — no, not an element
Large open circles and small dark circles are two kinds.
Two kinds of atom do not make an element.
Feedback per option
- A Large open circles and small dark circles are two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds of atom, so the drawing does not show an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: B — no, not an element
Each group holds a large open circle joined to two small dark circles: two kinds.
Two kinds of atom do not make an element.
Feedback per option
- A Each group holds a large open circle and small dark circles: two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds of atom, joined, do not make an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: A — yes, an element
Every circle is a large open circle: one kind, joined in pairs.
One kind of atom makes an element.
Feedback per option
- A Every atom is a large open circle, joined in pairs: one kind of atom.
- B The pairs are joined, but every atom is the same kind.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: B — no, not an element
Gray circles and large open circles are two kinds, not joined.
Two kinds of atom do not make an element.
Feedback per option
- A Gray circles and large open circles are two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds of atom, so the drawing does not show an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: B — no, not an element
Each group holds a gray circle joined between two large open circles: two kinds.
Two kinds of atom do not make an element.
Feedback per option
- A Each group holds a gray circle and large open circles: two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds of atom, joined, do not make an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show an element?
- A yes, an element
- B no, not an element
Answer
Key: A — yes, an element
Every circle is a small dark circle: one kind.
One kind of atom makes an element.
Feedback per option
- A Every circle is a small dark circle: one kind of atom.
- B Every atom is the same kind, so the drawing shows an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Rohan says: "Every atom here is the same kind, so this is an element, even though the atoms are joined in pairs." Is Rohan correct?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Joined or single makes no difference to the count.
One kind of atom makes an element, so Rohan is correct.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of atom makes an element, whether the atoms are single or joined in pairs.
- B Joined in pairs does not stop it being an element. Every circle is the same kind of atom, and one kind of atom makes an element.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
Atoms joined together: a molecule
MAT-044 · Molecule — Identify which particle diagrams show molecules based on whether atoms are bonded together.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Two drawings show the same kind of atom. | [two boxes of large open circles; key chip: LARGE OPEN CIRCLE = OXYGEN ATOM] |
| In drawing 1 each atom floats on its own. | [drawing 1: single circles drift apart] |
| In drawing 2 the atoms sit in pairs, touching, and each pair moves together. | [drawing 2: pairs drift as units] |
| Why does each pair in drawing 2 move as one? | [question mark over drawing 2] |
| The two atoms in each pair are joined together. | [one pair highlighted, moving as one] |
| Atoms that are joined together are drawn touching. | [a pair touching; label JOINED] |
| Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a molecule. | [chip: MOLECULE] |
| Each pair in drawing 2 is a molecule; the single atoms in drawing 1 are not. | [tick on drawing 2 under JOINED ATOMS?; cross on drawing 1] |
| A molecule can hold atoms of one kind, or atoms of different kinds. | [a pair of one kind; a group of two kinds] |
| The oxygen in the air comes as molecules of two oxygen atoms joined. | [zoomed oxygen molecule, atoms labeled] |
| A water molecule is one oxygen atom joined to two hydrogen atoms. | [zoomed water molecule, atoms labeled] |
| Pairs of one kind, touching, are molecules. | [a box of pairs, tick under JOINED ATOMS?] |
| Single atoms apart are not molecules. | [a box of singles, cross] |
| Pairs of two kinds, touching, are molecules. | [a box of two-kind pairs, tick] |
| Two kinds of single atom apart are not molecules. | [a box of two kinds apart, cross] |
| So, here's what we've seen. Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a molecule. | [the rule slide: drawings 1 and 2 with their cross and tick; chip MOLECULE; nothing else printed] |
| So the pairs in drawing 2 are molecules, and the single atoms in drawing 1 are not. | [drawing 2 tick; drawing 1 cross] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: one line — “Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a molecule.”] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
In a particle drawing the atoms sit in touching pairs, and each pair moves as one. What is each pair called?
- A a single atom
- B a molecule
- C an element
Answer
Key: B — a molecule
Each pair is two atoms joined.
So each pair is a molecule.
Feedback per option
- A A pair is two atoms joined, not a single atom.
- B Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a molecule.
- C Element names a substance with one kind of atom; a joined pair is a molecule.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 12 items
Neon gas: every atom in it is a neon atom. Is neon an element?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Every atom in neon is a neon atom.
So neon is an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of atom makes an element.
- B Every atom is a neon atom: one kind, so neon is an element.
Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a…
Typed answer
Answer
Accepted: molecule · a molecule
What is a molecule?
- A two or more atoms joined together, moving as one particle
- B a single atom moving on its own
- C two atoms of different kinds that are near each other but not joined
Answer
Key: A — two or more atoms joined together, moving as one particle
A single atom is not a molecule.
Atoms that are near but not joined are not a molecule either.
Feedback per option
- A Joined atoms move together as one particle: a molecule.
- B A single atom is not a molecule; a molecule needs two or more atoms joined.
- C Near is not joined. Atoms that are not joined are not a molecule.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: A — yes, molecules
The large open circles touch in pairs, so the atoms are joined.
Joined atoms make molecules.
Feedback per option
- A The large open circles touch in pairs: joined atoms, so molecules.
- B Touching circles are joined atoms, and joined atoms make a molecule.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: A — yes, molecules
Each large open circle touches two small dark circles, so the three atoms are joined.
Joined atoms make molecules.
Feedback per option
- A Each large open circle touches two small dark circles: three joined atoms, a molecule.
- B Touching circles are joined atoms, and joined atoms make a molecule.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: B — no, not molecules
No circle touches another, so the atoms are not joined.
Single atoms are not molecules.
Feedback per option
- A No circle touches another: single atoms, not joined.
- B Every gray circle is apart from the others, so no atoms are joined.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: B — no, not molecules
Small dark circles and large open circles are mingled, but none touch.
Atoms that are not joined are not molecules.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom are mingled, but no circle touches another.
- B Two kinds of single atom, none joined, are not molecules.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: A — yes, molecules
Each small dark circle touches a gray circle, so the two atoms are joined.
Joined atoms make molecules.
Feedback per option
- A Each small dark circle touches a gray circle: two joined atoms, a molecule.
- B Touching circles are joined atoms, and joined atoms make a molecule.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: A — yes, molecules
Each gray circle touches two large open circles, so the three atoms are joined.
Joined atoms make molecules.
Feedback per option
- A Each gray circle touches two large open circles: three joined atoms, a molecule.
- B Touching circles are joined atoms, and joined atoms make a molecule.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: B — no, not molecules
No circle touches another, so the atoms are not joined.
Single atoms are not molecules.
Feedback per option
- A No circle touches another: single atoms, not joined.
- B Every small dark circle is apart from the others, so no atoms are joined.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show molecules?
- A yes, molecules
- B no, not molecules
Answer
Key: A — yes, molecules
The gray circles touch in pairs, so the atoms are joined.
Joined atoms make molecules.
Feedback per option
- A The gray circles touch in pairs: joined atoms, so molecules.
- B Touching circles are joined atoms, and joined atoms make a molecule.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Imani points at one pair and says: "These two touching atoms are the same kind, so they cannot be a molecule." Is Imani correct?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
The two small dark circles touch, so the atoms are joined.
A molecule can hold atoms of one kind, so the pair is a molecule, and Imani is not correct.
Feedback per option
- A Same kind does not stop them being a molecule. Any two or more atoms joined together make a molecule, the same kind or different kinds.
- B Any two or more atoms joined together make a molecule, the same kind or different kinds.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
Different atoms joined in a fixed pattern: a compound
MAT-045 · Compound — Identify which substances are compounds based on whether two or more different elements are chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Here is a glass of water. Water is made of two kinds of atom. | [a glass of water; a zoom circle] |
| Every water molecule has the same pattern: one oxygen atom joined to two hydrogen atoms. | [three water molecules; key chips: LARGE OPEN CIRCLE = OXYGEN ATOM, SMALL DARK CIRCLE = HYDROGEN ATOM] |
| Any water molecule anywhere in the world has the same pattern. | [a globe; the molecule repeated] |
| Is water an element? | [question mark] |
| No, water is not an element, because an element has only one kind of atom and water has two. | [chip: TWO KINDS OF ATOM; cross under ELEMENT?; NOT AN ELEMENT] |
| In water, the two kinds of atom are joined into molecules, and the pattern never changes. | [the molecule; label ONE PATTERN] |
| A substance made of two or more kinds of atom joined together in a fixed pattern is called a compound. | [chip: COMPOUND] |
| Water is a compound. | [tick under A COMPOUND?] |
| Carbon dioxide is a compound too: one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms, the same in every molecule. | [box: gray between two open, nine alike; key chip: GRAY CIRCLE = CARBON ATOM; tick] |
| Two kinds of atom that are not joined make a mixture, not a compound. | [box: two kinds of single atom apart; cross] |
| One kind of atom, single or joined, makes an element, not a compound. | [box: pairs of one kind; cross] |
| So, here's what we've seen. A substance made of two or more kinds of atom joined together in a fixed pattern is called a compound. | [the rule slide: the water box and the mixture box with their tick and cross; chip COMPOUND; nothing else printed] |
| So water, with two kinds of atom joined in the same pattern every time, is a compound. | [the glass; the molecule; A COMPOUND] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: one line — “A substance made of two or more kinds of atom joined together in a fixed pattern is called a compound.”] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
Water has two kinds of atom, joined in the same pattern in every molecule. What is water?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Water has oxygen and hydrogen atoms joined in one pattern.
So water is a compound.
Feedback per option
- A An element has one kind of atom; water has two.
- B Different kinds of atom joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
- C In a mixture the kinds are not joined; in water they are.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 13 items
Copper foil: every atom in it is a copper atom. Is copper an element?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Every atom in the foil is a copper atom.
So copper is an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of atom makes an element.
- B Every atom is a copper atom: one kind, so copper is an element.
A drawing shows single atoms, none touching. Does it show molecules?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
The atoms in the drawing are single and not joined.
So the drawing shows no molecules.
Feedback per option
- A A molecule needs two or more atoms joined; these atoms are not joined.
- B No atoms are joined, so there are no molecules.
A substance made of two or more kinds of atom joined together in a fixed pattern is called a…
Typed answer
Answer
Accepted: compound · a compound
A scientist calls a substance a compound. What does she mean?
- A Two kinds of atom are mingled through it but not joined to each other.
- B Its particles are two or more kinds of atom joined in one fixed pattern.
- C Its atoms are all one kind, joined in pairs.
Answer
Key: B — Its particles are two or more kinds of atom joined in one fixed pattern.
Kinds not joined make a mixture.
One kind of atom makes an element.
Feedback per option
- A Kinds mingled but not joined make a mixture, not a compound.
- B Different kinds of atom, joined, in a fixed pattern: a compound.
- C One kind of atom, joined or not, makes an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: A — yes, a compound
The circles touch, so the kinds are joined, and every group has the same pattern.
Different kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, joined, and every group has the same pattern: a compound.
- B Every group is a large open circle joined to two small dark circles: two kinds, joined, one pattern.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: A — yes, a compound
The circles touch, so the kinds are joined, and every group has the same pattern.
Different kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, joined, and every group has the same pattern: a compound.
- B Every group is a gray circle joined between two large open circles: two kinds, joined, one pattern.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: B — no, not a compound
One kind of atom makes an element.
A compound needs two or more kinds, so this is not a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Every atom is a large open circle: one kind, so an element, not a compound.
- B One kind of atom, even joined in pairs, makes an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: A — yes, a compound
The circles touch, so the kinds are joined, and every group has the same pattern.
Different kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Three kinds of atom, joined, and every group has the same pattern: a compound.
- B Every group is a gray, a large open and a small dark circle joined: three kinds, one pattern.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: A — yes, a compound
The circles touch, so the kinds are joined, and every pair has the same pattern.
Different kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, joined, and every pair has the same pattern: a compound.
- B Every pair is a small dark circle joined to a gray circle: two kinds, joined, one pattern.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: B — no, not a compound
No circle touches another, so the kinds are not joined.
Kinds that are not joined make a mixture, not a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, but none touch: not joined, so a mixture, not a compound.
- B Large open and gray circles are mingled, not joined: a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: B — no, not a compound
Each pair holds one kind only, and the two kinds of pair do not touch each other.
Kinds that are not joined to each other make a mixture, not a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Each pair is one kind of atom only.
The two kinds of pair never touch, so they are not joined: a mixture. - B The large open pairs and the small dark pairs never touch each other: two substances mingled, a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Does this drawing show a compound?
- A yes, a compound
- B no, not a compound
Answer
Key: B — no, not a compound
One kind of atom makes an element.
A compound needs two or more kinds, so this is not a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Every atom is a small dark circle: one kind, so an element, not a compound.
- B One kind of atom, even joined in pairs, makes an element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Ethan says: "This drawing has two kinds of atom, so it must show a compound." Is Ethan correct?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
The gray circles and small dark circles here do not touch, so the kinds are not joined.
Kinds not joined make a mixture, so Ethan is not correct.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom make a compound only when they are joined in a fixed pattern. Here no circles touch, so the drawing shows a mixture.
- B The circles do not touch, so the two kinds of atom are not joined. Kinds not joined make a mixture, not a compound.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
Element, compound or mixture from a drawing
MAT-046 · Element or compound — tell them apart using particle diagrams — Sort particle diagrams into elements, compounds, and mixtures using the one-kind-of-atom test.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| A student is handed four particle drawings with no labels. | [the four boxes, numbered; key chips: GRAY CIRCLE = CARBON ATOM, LARGE OPEN CIRCLE = OXYGEN ATOM, SMALL DARK CIRCLE = HYDROGEN ATOM] |
| Some show one kind of atom, and some show two; in some the atoms are joined, and in some they float apart. | [the boxes side by side] |
| She sorts the four drawings with one question at a time. | [three empty category boxes: ELEMENT, COMPOUND, MIXTURE; question mark] |
| Question 1 is: how many kinds of atom does the drawing show? | [the tree: question 1 box] |
| One kind means an element, and the sort is done; more than one kind means ask question 2. | [arrows: ONE KIND → element; MORE THAN ONE → question 2] |
| Question 2 is: are the different kinds of atom joined together? | [question 2 box] |
| Joined, in the same pattern every time, means a compound; not joined, just mingled, means a mixture. | [arrows: YES → compound; NO → mixture; boxes under each] |
| Drawing 1 shows pairs of small dark circles, one kind, so it is an element. | [drawing 1 lands in ELEMENT] |
| Drawing 2 shows gray and small dark circles touching: two kinds, joined, so it is a compound. | [drawing 2 moves through question 2 into COMPOUND] |
| Drawing 3 shows open pairs among single gray circles that never touch: two kinds, not joined, so it is a mixture. | [drawing 3 lands in MIXTURE] |
| Drawing 4 shows one open and one gray circle touching: two kinds, joined, so it is a compound. | [drawing 4 lands in COMPOUND] |
| So, to sort a particle drawing, ask two questions in order: how many kinds of atom are there? Are the different kinds joined together? | [the rule slide: the tree with question 1, then question 2 highlighted; nothing else printed] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: bullets — • Question 1: how many kinds of atom are there? • Question 2: are the different kinds joined together?] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
A particle drawing has two kinds of atom that never touch each other. Which category is it?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: C — a mixture
Question 2: the kinds never touch, so not joined.
Kinds not joined make a mixture.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, so not an element.
- B The kinds never touch, so they are not joined: not a compound.
- C Two kinds of atom, not joined, make a mixture.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 13 items
Every molecule of a clear liquid holds one carbon atom joined to four hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, the same pattern every time. Which category is the liquid?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
The kinds are joined together, in the same pattern every time.
Different kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Three kinds of atom, so not one kind.
- B Different kinds of atom, joined in one fixed pattern, make a compound.
- C The kinds are joined into one molecule, not mingled.
Cocoa powder is stirred into flour until the heap is one even brown. Is the heap a mixture?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Cocoa and flour are two substances, and each keeps its own particles.
So the heap is a mixture.
Feedback per option
- A Two substances mingled together, each still itself, make a mixture.
- B Cocoa and flour are two substances mingled together, so the heap is a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Question 1: how many kinds of atom does this drawing show?
- A one kind
- B two kinds
- C three kinds
Answer
Key: B — two kinds
The drawing has gray circles and small dark circles.
So the drawing shows two kinds of atom, and question 2 is needed.
Feedback per option
- A Look again: gray circles and small dark circles are two sizes and shades.
- B Gray circles and small dark circles: two kinds of atom.
- C Only two sizes and shades appear: gray, and small dark.
The same drawing. Question 2: are the different kinds of atom joined together?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Each gray circle touches two small dark circles, in the same pattern every time.
So the different kinds are joined together.
Feedback per option
- A Each gray circle touches two small dark circles, so the kinds are joined.
- B The circles touch in every group, and touching circles are joined.
The same drawing. So which category is it?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Question 2: the kinds are joined, in the same pattern every time.
Different kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, so question 1 rules out an element.
- B Two kinds, joined in one fixed pattern: a compound.
- C The kinds are joined, so question 2 rules out a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: A — an element
One kind of atom makes an element.
Question 2 is not needed.
Feedback per option
- A Every circle is a gray circle: one kind of atom.
- B A compound needs two or more kinds of atom joined. Every circle is a gray circle, one kind, so the sort ends at element.
- C A mixture needs two or more kinds of atom not joined. Every circle is a gray circle, one kind, so the sort ends at element.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Question 2: each large open circle touches two small dark circles, the same pattern every time, so joined.
Kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Large open and small dark circles are two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds, and each large open circle touches two small dark ones: joined, one pattern.
- C The circles touch in every group, so the kinds are joined, not just mingled.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: C — a mixture
Question 2: no circle touches another, so the kinds are not joined.
Kinds not joined make a mixture.
Feedback per option
- A Large open and small dark circles are two kinds of atom.
- B No circle touches another, so the kinds are not joined.
- C Two kinds of single atom, none touching: mingled, not joined.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: C — a mixture
Question 2: the open pairs never touch the gray circles, so the kinds are not joined to each other.
Kinds not joined make a mixture.
Feedback per option
- A Large open and gray circles are two kinds of atom.
- B The open pairs never touch the gray circles, so the two kinds are not joined to each other.
- C Pairs of one kind among single atoms of another kind, never touching each other: a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: A — an element
One kind of atom makes an element, joined in pairs or not.
Question 2 is not needed.
Feedback per option
- A Every circle is a large open circle, in joined pairs: one kind of atom.
- B One kind of atom, even joined in pairs, makes an element.
- C Only one kind of atom is here, so the drawing is not a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Question 2: each gray circle touches two large open circles, the same pattern every time, so joined.
Kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Gray and large open circles are two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds, and each gray circle touches two large open ones: joined, one pattern.
- C The circles touch in every group, so the kinds are joined, not just mingled.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: C — a mixture
Question 2: the joined groups never touch the single gray circles, so the substances are not joined to each other.
Kinds not joined make a mixture.
Feedback per option
- A Three sizes and shades appear, so more than one kind of atom.
- B The joined groups never touch the single gray circles, so not everything is joined into one pattern.
- C Joined groups of two kinds among single atoms of a third kind, never touching each other: a mixture.
Each size and shade of circle is a different kind of atom. Touching circles are joined. Element, compound or mixture?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Question 2: each small dark circle touches a gray circle, the same pattern every time, so joined.
Kinds joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Small dark and gray circles are two kinds of atom.
- B Two kinds, and each small dark circle touches a gray one: joined, one pattern.
- C The circles touch in every pair, so the kinds are joined, not just mingled.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
Sort any sample: the full tree
MAT-047 · Classify any sample using the full matter classification tree — Classify any sample to the leaf level (element, compound, homogeneous mixture, or heterogeneous mixture) by working through the decision tree.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| A student has four samples: a gold nugget, dry ice, frozen carbon dioxide, a steel fork, and sand with bits of shell. | [four samples, each named] |
| She joins two sorts into one tree: pure or mixture, then element or compound. | [two small trees slide together; question mark] |
| Question 1 is: is there more than one kind of matter? | [the full tree: question 1 box] |
| No means a pure substance, so ask whether it has one kind of atom: one kind makes an element, and different kinds joined make a compound. | [left branch: ONE KIND OF ATOM?; the element box and the compound box under it] |
| Yes means a mixture, so ask whether it is the same all the way through. | [right branch: SAME ALL THROUGH?] |
| The gold nugget is one kind of matter with one kind of atom, so it is an element. | [the nugget lands in ELEMENT] |
| The dry ice is one kind of matter with carbon and oxygen atoms joined, so it is a compound. | [the dry ice lands in COMPOUND] |
| The steel fork is iron with a little carbon mingled evenly, so it is a homogeneous mixture. | [the fork lands in HOMOGENEOUS MIXTURE] |
| The sand with shell is different in different places, so it is a heterogeneous mixture. | [the sand lands in HETEROGENEOUS MIXTURE] |
| So, to sort any sample, first ask: is there more than one kind of matter? | [the rule slide: the full tree with question 1 highlighted; nothing else printed] |
| A mixture then asks: is it the same all the way through? A pure substance then asks: does it have one kind of atom? | [the two branches highlighted in turn] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: bullets — • First ask: is there more than one kind of matter? • A mixture then asks: is it the same all the way through? • A pure substance then asks: does it have one kind of atom?] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
A gold nugget is one kind of matter with one kind of atom. Which category is it?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: A — an element
Next question: one kind of atom, so yes.
A pure substance with one kind of atom is an element.
Feedback per option
- A A pure substance with one kind of atom is an element.
- B A compound has different kinds of atom joined; gold has one kind.
- C The nugget is one kind of matter, so it is not a mixture.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 14 items
A bowl of chili: one spoonful is full of beans, and the next has none. Is the chili the same all the way through?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
So the chili is different in different places.
The chili is not the same all the way through: a heterogeneous mixture.
Feedback per option
- A One spoonful differs from the next, so the chili is different in different places.
- B Beans here and none there means different in different places: heterogeneous.
A drawing shows one kind of atom only, joined in pairs. Element or compound?
- A an element
- B a compound
Answer
Key: A — an element
The drawing shows one kind of atom, joined in pairs.
Joined or not, one kind makes an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of atom makes an element, joined in pairs or not.
- B A compound needs two or more kinds of atom; this drawing has one.
A yellow lump of pure sulfur: every atom in it is a sulfur atom. Question 1: is there more than one kind of matter?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
So the lump holds one kind of matter only.
The answer to question 1 is no: the sulfur is a pure substance.
Feedback per option
- A Every atom is a sulfur atom, so the lump holds one kind of matter only.
- B Sulfur atoms only: one kind of matter, so the lump is a pure substance.
For the lump of sulfur, which question comes next?
- A Does it have only one kind of atom?
- B Is it the same all the way through?
Answer
Key: A — Does it have only one kind of atom?
A pure substance is split into element or compound by its kinds of atom.
So the next question is whether it has only one kind of atom.
Feedback per option
- A A pure substance is sorted by its kinds of atom: element or compound.
- B That question sorts mixtures into homogeneous and heterogeneous; the sulfur is not a mixture.
The lump of sulfur again: every atom is a sulfur atom. Does it have only one kind of atom?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
So the lump has only one kind of atom.
The answer is yes.
Feedback per option
- A Sulfur atoms only: one kind of atom.
- B Every atom is a sulfur atom, so there is one kind only.
So which category is the lump of sulfur?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: A — an element
Next question: one kind of atom, so yes.
A pure substance with one kind of atom is an element.
Feedback per option
- A A pure substance with one kind of atom is an element.
- B A compound needs two or more kinds of atom; sulfur has one.
- C A homogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter evenly mixed. The sulfur is one kind of matter: a pure substance, not a mixture.
- D A heterogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter unevenly mixed. The sulfur is one kind of matter: a pure substance, not a mixture.
The gas in a helium balloon: every atom is a helium atom. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: A — an element
Next question: every atom is a helium atom, so one kind of atom.
A pure substance with one kind of atom is an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of matter, one kind of atom: an element.
- B A compound needs two or more kinds of atom; helium has one.
- C A homogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter evenly mixed. Helium is one kind of matter only, so it is not a mixture.
- D A heterogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter unevenly mixed. Helium is one kind of matter only, so it is not a mixture.
A snowflake of pure water: every molecule is one oxygen atom joined to two hydrogen atoms. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Next question: oxygen and hydrogen, so not one kind of atom.
A pure substance with different kinds of atom joined in a fixed pattern is a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, so not an element.
- B One kind of matter, two kinds of atom joined in one pattern: a compound.
- C A homogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter evenly mixed. Pure water is one kind of matter only, so it is not a mixture.
- D A heterogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter unevenly mixed. Pure water is one kind of matter only, so it is not a mixture.
Rocky road ice cream: nuts and marshmallows here and there in the chocolate. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: D — a heterogeneous mixture
Next question: nuts here and none there, so not the same all the way through.
A mixture that differs from place to place is heterogeneous.
Feedback per option
- A Several kinds of matter, so a mixture, not an element.
- B Several kinds of matter mingled, not joined, so a mixture.
- C One spoonful has nuts and the next has none: not the same all through.
- D Several kinds of matter, different in different places.
An iron horseshoe: every atom in it is an iron atom. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: A — an element
Next question: every atom is an iron atom, so one kind of atom.
A pure substance with one kind of atom is an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of matter, one kind of atom: an element.
- B A compound needs two or more kinds of atom; iron has one.
- C A homogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter evenly mixed. Iron is one kind of matter only, so it is not a mixture.
- D A heterogeneous mixture needs two kinds of matter unevenly mixed. Iron is one kind of matter only, so it is not a mixture.
Mouthwash: water, alcohol and flavor mingled evenly, and every mouthful the same. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: C — a homogeneous mixture
Next question: every mouthful is the same, so yes, the same all the way through.
A mixture that is the same all through is homogeneous.
Feedback per option
- A Several kinds of matter, so a mixture, not an element.
- B The substances are mingled, not joined into one new particle, so a mixture.
- C Several kinds of matter, and every mouthful the same: evenly mixed.
- D Every mouthful is the same, so it is the same all the way through.
Flakes of rust: iron atoms and oxygen atoms joined, in the same pattern all through. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Next question: iron and oxygen atoms, so not one kind of atom.
Different kinds of atom joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom, so not an element.
- B One kind of matter, two kinds of atom joined in one pattern: a compound.
- C Evenly spread is not the test. The iron and oxygen atoms are joined into one substance, rust, not mingled as two.
- D A heterogeneous mixture needs two substances unevenly mixed. The iron and oxygen atoms are joined into one substance, rust.
A sterling silver spoon: a few copper atoms scattered among the silver atoms, and every part of the spoon is the same. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: C — a homogeneous mixture
Next question: the same all the way through, so yes.
A mixture that is the same all through is homogeneous.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of matter, so a mixture, not an element.
- B The atoms are mingled, not joined into one pattern, so a mixture.
- C Two kinds mingled evenly, the same all through: homogeneous.
- D The same all the way through, so not heterogeneous.
Granite: pink grains, gray grains and black grains side by side in one rock. Which category?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
- D a heterogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: D — a heterogeneous mixture
Next question: one spot is pink and the next is black, so not the same all the way through.
A mixture that differs from place to place is heterogeneous.
Feedback per option
- A Several kinds of grain, so a mixture, not an element.
- B The grains sit side by side, not joined into one pattern, so a mixture.
- C Pink here and black there: not the same all the way through.
- D Several kinds of matter, different in different places.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
A compound is not like its elements
MAT-048 · A compound's properties differ from those of its elements — Explain why a compound can have completely different properties from the elements it is made of.
Script
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen is a gas that burns. | [a tank labeled HYDROGEN; a flame] |
| Oxygen is a gas that feeds a fire. | [a tank labeled OXYGEN; a fire flares] |
| When hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms join in a fixed pattern, they make water. | [hydrogen + oxygen → water, in words] |
| Water is a liquid that puts fires out. How can two gases make a liquid that does the opposite? | [a glass of water; the fire goes out; question mark] |
| Water's particles are new particles, not the gases' particles. | [chip: NEW PARTICLES] |
| Zoom in: a hydrogen molecule is two hydrogen atoms joined. | [box of small dark pairs; key chip: SMALL DARK CIRCLE = HYDROGEN ATOM] |
| An oxygen molecule is two oxygen atoms joined. | [box of large open pairs; key chip: LARGE OPEN CIRCLE = OXYGEN ATOM] |
| Every water molecule is one oxygen atom joined to two hydrogen atoms. | [box of water molecules] |
| A water molecule is not a hydrogen molecule beside an oxygen molecule. | [a hydrogen pair beside an oxygen pair; cross] |
| It is a new kind of particle: three atoms joined in a new pattern. | [one water molecule, large; label NEW PARTICLE] |
| New particles behave in new ways, so water has its own properties. | [the glass; the fire out] |
| In a mixture each substance keeps its own particles, so each keeps its own properties. | [a box: hydrogen pairs and oxygen pairs mingled, not touching] |
| Mixed, the two gases are still two gases; joined into water, both gases are gone. | [mixture box, label TWO GASES; water box, label ONE NEW SUBSTANCE] |
| Here's the pattern. A compound's particles are new particles, so a compound has its own properties, not the properties of the elements in it. | [the rule slide: the hydrogen box, the oxygen box and the water box; chip NEW PARTICLES; nothing else printed] |
| So the two gases, joined into water molecules, make a liquid that puts fires out. | [hydrogen + oxygen → water; the fire out] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the rule slide's images hold; closing screen: one line — “A compound's particles are new particles, so a compound has its own properties, not the properties of the elements in it.”] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the attached question
Hydrogen burns and oxygen feeds a fire, yet water puts a fire out. Why?
- A A water molecule is a new particle, with new properties.
- B Water holds too little hydrogen for a flame to burn.
- C The oxygen inside water has already been used up.
Answer
Key: A — A water molecule is a new particle, with new properties.
A water molecule is a new kind of particle.
New particles behave in new ways, so water puts fires out.
Feedback per option
- A New particles behave in new ways, so water has its own properties.
- B The amount is not the point; the hydrogen atoms are in new particles.
- C The oxygen atoms are still there, joined into water molecules.
Quiz after the video — the mastery check, 10 items
Every water molecule is one oxygen atom joined to two hydrogen atoms, the same every time. Is water a compound?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Water has oxygen and hydrogen atoms joined in one fixed pattern.
So water is a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Two kinds of atom joined in a fixed pattern make a compound.
- B Water has two kinds of atom, joined in the same pattern every time: a compound.
The table describes sodium, chlorine, and what table salt is made of. Which of these does table salt behave like?
- A sodium
- B chlorine
- C both
- D neither
Answer
Key: D — neither
New particles behave in new ways.
So table salt behaves like neither sodium nor chlorine: it is a white solid that is safe to eat.
Feedback per option
- A Table salt is not a soft metal and does not fizz in water.
- B Table salt is not a green gas and is not poisonous to breathe.
- C Table salt is a white solid you eat: like neither element.
- D Table salt has its own properties: a white solid that is safe to eat.
Sodium is a soft metal that fizzes in water, and chlorine is a poisonous green gas. Table salt is sodium and chlorine atoms joined: a white solid, safe to eat. Explain why table salt can be safe to eat, when its two elements are not.
Starter: Table salt is safe to eat because…
Answer
Model answer · ['the sodium and chlorine atoms are joined into new particles', 'a new particle is not a sodium atom next to a chlorine atom, so it behaves in a new way', 'so table salt has its own properties, not the properties of sodium or chlorine'] points
In table salt, the sodium atoms and chlorine atoms are joined together.
A joined particle of sodium and chlorine is not a sodium atom sitting next to a chlorine atom.
New particles behave in new ways.
So table salt has its own properties, not sodium's and not chlorine's: a white solid that is safe to eat.
Why can a compound have properties nothing like the elements in it?
- A The atoms are joined into new particles, which behave in new ways.
- B Each atom has turned into a completely different kind of atom.
- C The elements in it have been used up completely, so nothing of them is left.
Answer
Key: A — The atoms are joined into new particles, which behave in new ways.
New particles behave in new ways.
So a compound has its own properties, not the properties of its elements.
Feedback per option
- A A compound's particles are new particles, so a compound has its own properties.
- B The atoms are still the same atoms; they are joined into new particles.
- C The atoms are all still there, joined into new particles.
Hydrogen burns. Priyanka says: "Water is made of hydrogen, so water must burn too." Is Priyanka correct?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
A water molecule is a new particle, not a hydrogen molecule.
New particles behave in new ways, so water does not burn, and Priyanka is not correct.
Feedback per option
- A Water contains hydrogen atoms, but not hydrogen. The atoms are joined into water molecules, new particles with their own properties, so water does not burn.
- B In water the hydrogen atoms are joined into water molecules, new particles with their own properties, so water does not burn.
The table describes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and what table sugar is made of. Is table sugar black, like carbon?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: B — no
New particles behave in new ways.
So sugar is not black like carbon; it is a white, sweet solid.
Feedback per option
- A Sugar's particles are new particles, not carbon particles, so sugar does not look like carbon.
- B The carbon atoms are joined into sugar particles, which have their own properties: white and sweet.
Carbon is a black solid, and oxygen is a gas with no color. In carbon dioxide, one carbon atom is joined to two oxygen atoms. Which of these is carbon dioxide?
- A a black powder, like carbon
- B a substance with properties of its own
- C a mixture of a black powder and a gas
Answer
Key: B — a substance with properties of its own
New particles behave in new ways.
So carbon dioxide has its own properties: a gas with no color, not a black powder.
Feedback per option
- A The carbon atoms are joined into new particles, so carbon dioxide is not black.
- B Carbon dioxide's particles are new particles, so it has properties of its own: a gas with no color.
- C Carbon dioxide is a compound, one new substance, not two substances mingled.
Iron filings are stirred into yellow sulfur powder, and the atoms stay in their own particles: a mixture. Does a magnet still pull the iron out?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
The iron particles are unchanged, so the iron keeps its properties.
Iron is magnetic, so the magnet still pulls the iron out.
Feedback per option
- A In a mixture each substance keeps its own particles and its own properties, so the iron is still magnetic.
- B The iron particles are unchanged in the mixture, so the iron is still magnetic.
Iron filings and sulfur powder are heated until their atoms join into one compound. What does the compound behave like?
- A like iron
- B like sulfur
- C like neither
Answer
Key: C — like neither
New particles behave in new ways.
So the compound behaves in its own way, not like iron and not like sulfur.
Feedback per option
- A The iron atoms are now part of new particles, so the compound does not behave like iron.
- B The sulfur atoms are now part of new particles, so the compound does not behave like sulfur.
- C A compound's particles are new particles, so it has its own properties.
Why does the mixture of iron and sulfur keep iron's properties, while the compound of iron and sulfur does not?
- A In the mixture the iron atoms stay in their own particles.
- B The mixture holds more iron than the compound does.
- C Heating destroys the iron atoms in the compound.
Answer
Key: A — In the mixture the iron atoms stay in their own particles.
In the compound the iron atoms are joined to sulfur atoms in new particles.
New particles behave in new ways, so the compound does not behave like iron.
Feedback per option
- A Unchanged particles keep their properties; new particles have new properties.
- B The amount of iron is not the point; whether the iron atoms are in their own particles is.
- C The iron atoms are not destroyed; they are joined into new particles.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
Summary: Atoms, elements, molecules and compounds
Script, part 1 (105 words)
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Here is everything we found out about atoms, elements, molecules and compounds. | [a still: the halving strip ending on one gray circle, with the atom key beside it; key chip: GRAY CIRCLE = ALUMINUM ATOM] |
| All matter is made of particles that are far too small to see. | [a zoom circle] |
| Every material is made of atoms. The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is one atom. | [the one gray circle; chip ATOM] |
| One atom of copper is the smallest piece that is still copper; anything smaller is not copper. | [one atom, tick; a dashed smaller piece, cross] |
| An atom is drawn as a circle, and atoms that are joined together are drawn touching. | [the key; a touching pair] |
| A substance made of only one kind of atom is called an element. | [chip ELEMENT; a box of one kind] |
| Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a molecule. | [chip MOLECULE; a touching pair] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the still holds] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the check question between the parts
A particle drawing shows atoms that are all the same size and shade, sitting in touching pairs. Is the substance an element?
- A yes
- B no
Answer
Key: A — yes
Every atom in the drawing is the same kind.
So the substance is an element.
Feedback per option
- A One kind of atom, single or joined, makes an element.
- B Every atom is the same kind, so the substance is an element.
Script, part 2 (154 words)
| Say | Screen |
|---|---|
| Here is everything we found out about compounds, mixtures and sorting a sample. | [a still: the water box, the mixture box and the full tree] |
| A substance made of two or more kinds of atom joined together in a fixed pattern is called a compound. | [chip COMPOUND; the water box] |
| A sample that contains two or more substances mingled together is called a mixture, and its kinds are not joined. | [chip MIXTURE; a box of two kinds apart] |
| To sort a particle drawing, ask two questions in order: how many kinds of atom are there? Are the different kinds joined together? | [the two-question tree] |
| A sample that contains only one kind of matter is called a pure substance. | [chip PURE SUBSTANCE] |
| To sort any sample, first ask whether it holds more than one kind of matter. | [the full tree: question 1] |
| A mixture then asks: is it the same all the way through? A pure substance then asks: does it have one kind of atom? | [the two branches] |
| A compound's particles are new particles, so a compound has its own properties, not the properties of the elements in it. | [one water molecule, large; chip NEW PARTICLES] |
| Okay, now your turn. | [the still holds] |
“Okay, now your turn.” — the two questions after part 2
Dry ice is one kind of matter, and every particle in it is one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms. Which category is dry ice?
- A an element
- B a compound
- C a homogeneous mixture
Answer
Key: B — a compound
Every particle is one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms: two kinds of atom, joined in one pattern.
So dry ice is a compound.
Feedback per option
- A Dry ice has two kinds of atom, carbon and oxygen, so it is not an element.
- B One kind of matter, two kinds of atom joined in one pattern: a compound.
- C Dry ice is one kind of matter, so it is not a mixture.
Charcoal burns and oxygen feeds a fire, yet carbon dioxide, made of carbon and oxygen atoms joined, puts fires out. Why?
- A Carbon dioxide holds too little carbon to burn.
- B The oxygen in carbon dioxide has already been used up.
- C Carbon dioxide's particles are new particles, with their own properties.
Answer
Key: C — Carbon dioxide's particles are new particles, with their own properties.
New particles behave in new ways.
So carbon dioxide has its own properties, not the properties of charcoal or oxygen.
Feedback per option
- A Every carbon dioxide molecule holds a carbon atom; the amount is not the point.
- B The oxygen atoms are all still there, joined to carbon in a new particle.
- C A compound's particles are new particles, so a compound has its own properties.
What to judge
Is this content better than the current alternative students have (PhysicsGraph / Edmentum)?
8/10 on:
- Clear and concise language
- Physics accuracy (read as chemistry accuracy here; his line as pasted for HS Physics)
- No "clangers" (content that causes a problematic misconception)
- Appropriate questions
- Initial testing
- Expansion into harder questions (no exam)
- The tasks should use similar language to that of the lesson
Gut check: better than the alternative? Would a student benefit? Full criteria
Applied without asking
Rulings you have already given; in force on every card above, not re-asked.
- Every video ends “Okay, now your turn.” with one easy, video-dependent question (the XP gate).
- An intro video is at most 120 words and teaches nothing: it opens the question the topic answers.
- A summary video is at most 300 words: everything taught, in order, just before the PP100.
- A lesson script is at most 200 words.
- Each lesson ships as both a video and an article; the article is not under review here.
The topic’s fixed wording (the lexicon the scripts repeat)
- All matter is made of particles that are far too small to see.
- Every material is made of atoms. The smallest piece of aluminum that is still aluminum is one atom.
- One atom of copper is the smallest piece that is still copper; anything smaller is not copper.
- A substance made of only one kind of atom is called an element.
- Two or more atoms joined together make one particle called a molecule.
- A substance made of two or more kinds of atom joined together in a fixed pattern is called a compound.
- A sample that contains two or more substances mingled together is called a mixture.
- To sort a particle drawing, ask two questions in order: how many kinds of atom are there? Are the different kinds joined together?
- A sample that contains only one kind of matter is called a pure substance.
- To sort any sample, first ask whether it holds more than one kind of matter. A mixture then asks: is it the same all the way through? A pure substance then asks: does it have one kind of atom?
- A compound's particles are new particles, so a compound has its own properties, not the properties of the elements in it.
Scripts, questions and quizzes are read from the course content as it stands today; the student site for this topic is here.