Atoms are the simplest form of matter. Atoms have a dense center called the nucleus. In this nucleus you will find two types of sub-atomic particles: positively charged protons and non-charged neutrons. These particle account for the weight (mass) of the atom. Flying around the nucleus, like planets orbiting the sun, are negatively charged sub-atomic particles called electrons. An element is an atom that composed completely of one type of atom. Each element of atom differs by the number of protons it contains. When two or more elements bond together it changes each element’s chemical properties this called a compound. When you have a groups of elements and/or compounds that interact, but do not bond and are still separate by physical means, you have a mixture.

These worksheets really help students completely understand the differences between an element, compound, and mixture. We also take a deep dive into how this all relates to the Periodic Table of Elements. We look at extended classifications of each category of matter. We also look at how to get compounds and mixtures to form, as well as how to physically separate mixtures.