Elements Scaffolding

Year 5–6 Science

Name:

Date:

🔤 Part A: Definitions

In your own words, write a definition for each scientific term below. Use your notes or textbook to help you.

1. Element — What is an element?

A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and is made of atoms of the same type.

2. Molecule — What is a molecule?

A group of two or more atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

3. Lattice — What is a lattice structure?

A regular, repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a three-dimensional space.

4. Metals — How would you describe metals as a group of elements?

Metals are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and ductile.

5. Non-metals — How would you describe non-metals as a group of elements?

Non-metals are usually dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and can be gases, liquids, or brittle solids.

🔬 Part B: Classification Activity

Read each substance below. Decide whether its basic structure is a Lattice, a Molecule, or a single Atom. Tick the correct box for each one.

6. Sodium Chloride (table salt — NaCl)

✔️

Lattice

Molecule

Atom

7. Water (H₂O)

Lattice

✔️

Molecule

Atom

8. Diamond (pure carbon in a crystal form)

✔️

Lattice

Molecule

Atom

9. Oxygen (O₂ gas)

Lattice

✔️

Molecule

Atom

10. Iron (Fe — a pure metal)

✔️

Lattice

Molecule

Atom

✏️ Part C: Drawing Atoms

Use what you have learned about atomic structure to answer the questions and complete the drawings below.

11. Describe the basic structure of an atom. What are the three main parts, and where are they found?

An atom consists of three main parts: protons (positively charged, found in the nucleus), neutrons (neutral, also in the nucleus), and electrons (negatively charged, found in orbitals around the nucleus).

12. In the box below, draw and label a simple diagram of an atom. Make sure you label the nucleus, protons, neutrons, and electrons.

13. Draw a Bohr model of a Carbon atom in the box below. Carbon has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons. Show the electrons arranged on their correct shells (2 on the first shell, 4 on the second shell). Label all parts clearly.

Hint: The first electron shell holds up to 2 electrons. The second shell holds up to 8 electrons.