Activity Overview
In this activity, students will create a chart that identifies different examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures. Alternatively, give your students a list of examples and have them place the substance in the correct category.
Elements are substances made of only one type of atom. Examples of elements are gold, helium and iron. Note that they are only considered elements if they are pure. A 24kt gold ring would said to be made of an element as all the atoms that make up the ring are gold atoms. A 12kt ring is made of a different types of atoms so it is said to be a mixture.
Compounds are substances made of two or more types of atoms chemically bonded together. These chemical bonds make compounds difficult to break up. Compounds are represented by a chemical formula. The chemical formula lets you know what type of atoms make the substance and what ratios those atoms are found in. For example, carbon dioxide has a chemical formula of CO2, this means the compound is made of carbon and oxygen atoms at a ratio of 1 carbon to 2 oxygen. Other examples of compounds include pure water (H2O), table salt (NaCl), and Methane (CH4).
Mixtures are substances that are made of two or more types of element or compound that are not chemically bonded together. They are more easily separated than compounds. Mixtures can be a solid, liquid or a gas. Examples of mixtures are sea water, air, and dirt. Unlike compounds, which are formed with fixed ratios of elements, mixtures can be made up with varying ratios of elements or compounds.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each column with Element, Compound, and Mixture.
- Label each row with Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3.
- Use the internet, books, or your own knowledge to find three examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- Write these examples in the titles of the cells in the storyboard.
- Search for images of these examples and include them in the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | All the categories are correctly identified. | Most of the categories are correctly identified. | Some of the categories are correctly identified. |
| Examples | There are three correct examples for each category, with images. | There are two correct examples for each category, with images. | There is one correct example for each category, with images. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will create a chart that identifies different examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures. Alternatively, give your students a list of examples and have them place the substance in the correct category.
Elements are substances made of only one type of atom. Examples of elements are gold, helium and iron. Note that they are only considered elements if they are pure. A 24kt gold ring would said to be made of an element as all the atoms that make up the ring are gold atoms. A 12kt ring is made of a different types of atoms so it is said to be a mixture.
Compounds are substances made of two or more types of atoms chemically bonded together. These chemical bonds make compounds difficult to break up. Compounds are represented by a chemical formula. The chemical formula lets you know what type of atoms make the substance and what ratios those atoms are found in. For example, carbon dioxide has a chemical formula of CO2, this means the compound is made of carbon and oxygen atoms at a ratio of 1 carbon to 2 oxygen. Other examples of compounds include pure water (H2O), table salt (NaCl), and Methane (CH4).
Mixtures are substances that are made of two or more types of element or compound that are not chemically bonded together. They are more easily separated than compounds. Mixtures can be a solid, liquid or a gas. Examples of mixtures are sea water, air, and dirt. Unlike compounds, which are formed with fixed ratios of elements, mixtures can be made up with varying ratios of elements or compounds.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each column with Element, Compound, and Mixture.
- Label each row with Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3.
- Use the internet, books, or your own knowledge to find three examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- Write these examples in the titles of the cells in the storyboard.
- Search for images of these examples and include them in the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | All the categories are correctly identified. | Most of the categories are correctly identified. | Some of the categories are correctly identified. |
| Examples | There are three correct examples for each category, with images. | There are two correct examples for each category, with images. | There is one correct example for each category, with images. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Examples of Compounds & Mixtures
Organize a hands-on sorting station activity for compounds and mixtures
Set up a classroom station with a variety of everyday items (like salt, sand, water, coins, and sugar). Let students physically sort each item into labeled containers for 'Element,' 'Compound,' or 'Mixture.' This engages students' senses and helps them apply their knowledge in a concrete, memorable way.
Model the sorting process with one example first
Show students step-by-step how to identify if an item is an element, compound, or mixture. Explain your thinking aloud (e.g., 'Salt has both sodium and chlorine—it's a compound!'). This demonstrates the process and sets clear expectations.
Have students work in pairs to discuss and decide classifications
Pair students up and let them collaborate on sorting the items. Encourage them to explain their choices to each other using evidence from what they've learned. This fosters communication and deeper understanding.
Encourage students to make evidence-based claims
Ask students to justify their sorting with at least one reason for each item. For example, 'We put sugar in compounds because it's made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen bonded together.' This reinforces critical thinking and science vocabulary.
Wrap up with a class discussion and reflection
Review the results as a class. Invite pairs to share their reasoning, clear up any misconceptions, and highlight key takeaways. This helps solidify learning and lets students see multiple ways to approach the task.
Frequently Asked Questions about Examples of Compounds & Mixtures
What is the difference between elements, compounds, and mixtures?
Elements are pure substances made of one type of atom. Compounds are made of two or more types of atoms chemically bonded together, while mixtures consist of elements or compounds combined physically but not chemically bonded.
How can I help students identify examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures?
Guide students to research and list three examples each of elements (like gold or helium), compounds (such as water or salt), and mixtures (like air or sea water). Let them create a chart or storyboard to organize and visualize their findings.
What are some easy examples of elements, compounds, and mixtures for middle school students?
Common examples include elements: gold, iron, helium; compounds: water (H2O), salt (NaCl), carbon dioxide (CO2); mixtures: air, sea water, soil.
Why are compounds harder to separate than mixtures?
Compounds are held together by chemical bonds, making them difficult to break apart. Mixtures can be separated more easily because their components are not chemically bonded.
What is a simple classroom activity to teach compounds and mixtures?
Have students create a chart with columns for elements, compounds, and mixtures. Let them research or brainstorm examples, find images, and categorize each substance. This visual activity reinforces understanding and classification skills.
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