Compounds and Mixtures

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 5
Activity Page ▶ pages 6 - 8
Practice Page ▶ page 9
Grade Level: 4-5

Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
page 10
page 11 - 12
 Classroom Procedure:
1. Display a coin, a glass of water, salt, iron, or other
examples of elements, mixtures, compounds. Ask
students: What do each of the substances have in
common? What is different about them?
2. List students’ responses and discuss. Lead the
discussion to matter and elements, compounds, and
mixtures.
3. Distribute Compounds and Mixtures content pages.
Read and review the information with the students.
Display and demonstrate some examples of compounds
of mixtures if possible. Use the additional resources
to enhance understanding.
4. Distribute Activity page. Read and review the
instructions. (The activity would be more effective
if hands-on activities were used for each type of
compound or mixture. Use the additional resources for
suggestions.) Give students sufficient time to complete
each sketch. Answers may vary but the drawings
should match the characteristics for the terms.
5. Once completed, allow student volunteers to display
a sketch with an explanation to the class about the
term. Students may ask questions or enhance each
other’s explanations.
6. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the
students’ responses.
7. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, allow
students to share examples of compounds of mixtures
from home. Check and review responses to questions.
8. In closing, ask: What is your favorite mixture to eat?
Why is it a mixture?
9. Allow for responses and discussion.
10. Distribute small bags of M & M’s (or other similar
candies. Nuts, etc.) to students. Ask: Why is the
candy a mixture? Ask if the mixture can be physically
separated.
11. Allow for responses and discussion.
Approximate Grade Level: 4 – 5
Objectives:
The students will be able to compare and contrast
a variety of mixtures and solutions such as rocks in
sand, sand in water, or sugar in water, demonstrate
that some mixtures maintain physical properties
of their ingredients such as iron filings and sand;
and identify changes that can occur in the physical
properties of the ingredients of solutions such as
dissolving salt in water or adding lemon juice to water.
TEKS:
Science Grade 4: b.5.C
Science Grade 5: b.5.C-D
Class Sessions (45 minutes):
At least 2 class sessions.
Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
Compounds and Mixtures content pages (2), Activity
pages (3), Practice page, Homework page
Student Supplies:
Colored pencils, handouts
Prepare Ahead of Time:
Lesson opening substances. Suggested: Supplies,
materials, substances for hands-on activities. Copy
handouts.
Options for Lesson:
Students may work in pairs for the activity. Use
construction paper, or similar, for students to sketch
each type of mixture/compound. Set up stations
with compounds and mixture types, students identify
each type, sketching what they observe. Distribute
a periodic table of elements to each student, discuss
the combinations of elements and the compounds
and mixtures which can be created. Invite a chemist
to speak to the students about elements, compounds,
and mixtures.
1
 Teacher Notes
This chemistry-related lesson focuses on the differences between compounds and mixtures, as well as
elements. Many students get confused between the three concepts as they are often mentioned in nearly all
chemistry-related content. As with most chemistry lessons, it is encouraged and recommended that students
engage in as many hands-on activities as possible. These will help students distinguish the differences
between elements, mixtures, and compounds more easily.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Resources:
Content:
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/chemistry.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/chemical_material_behaviour/compounds_mixtures/revision/1/
http://www.ducksters.com/science/chemistry/chemical_mixtures.php
http://www.ivyroses.com/Chemistry/GCSE/Elements-Mixtures-Compounds.php
https://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/atoms/elements.html
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/mixtures-compounds-science-explorations-newsletter
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/chemistry.html (PPTs)
http://www.wiley.com/legacy/Australia/PageProofs/SQ8_AC_VIC/c07ElementsCompoundsAndMixtures_WEB.pdf

Worksheets:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/itv/TeacherGuides/MatterInAction/ElementsCompoundsMix-
tures_TG.pdf
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/science/element/
https://jeffersonscience.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/worksheets-on-elements-compounds-and-mixtures/
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/elements-compounds-and-mixtures-3-worksheets-answers-11245354

Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Zz0daxZ9Y (3 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKVonDfbHrQ (11 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDNpCAFKhqY (8 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFv-k7XuMFM (1 min-using Legos)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaZ7lsc5ub8 (5 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CkPhAWrcSQ (8 min-activity)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avgFqlNML5o (7 min)

2
Compounds
Everything is made of matter. Nearly all matter is found as a solid, liquid or gas. Matter is made up of
molecules, and molecules are made up of atoms or elements. An element is a pure substance that cannot
be separated physically or chemically. For example, oxygen is an element. An atom of oxygen cannot be
split into another substance. It is pure. All the elements known to man are listed on The Periodic Table of
Elements. Examples include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, gold, helium, potassium, and over 100 additional
elements. These elements are the basis of everything.

Compounds are made up of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds. A chemical reaction
occurs as the elements react and form a new substance.
One of the best examples of a compound is water. Water is a liquid but is formed by the reaction between
two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
Each water molecule is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.
There are millions and millions of compounds or substances. Each of them is
made up of different types of molecules, which are made up of different kinds of
elements or atoms. It is the combination of these atoms and molecules that result
in the different substances. For example, sugar is also made up of hydrogen and
oxygen, but adds a third element: carbon. One sugar molecule has 6 carbon
atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. Sugar is also a compound.

3
A chemical reaction is the only process that can be used for separating the molecules of a compound. A
chemical change must take place to break apart the bonds of a compound. For example, the food you eat
goes through a chemical change during digestion. This is how the nutrients from the food you eat can be
processed into your body. Digestion is an example of a chemical reaction breaking compounds apart.
The main characteristics of compounds:

They are made of elements in Compounds have a chemical

They can only be separated chemically
a specific ratio that always re- formula: Water (H2O), Sugar and not physically.
mains the same. (C6H1206), Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

On the other hand, mixtures can be physically separated very easily.

Mixtures
Mixtures are made when two or more substances are combined, but not chemically.
For example, water and sugar are compounds, but they can be easily combined
into a mixture. Simply stir some sugar into a glass of water and you have created
a mixture called sugar water.
The substances and compounds that make up a mixture do not change and there
is no chemical reaction. They can be easily separated. Using the sugar water
example, the two substances will separate as the water evaporates into the air.

The main characteristics of mixtures:

Combines two or more
There is no chemical change The substances can only be
substances held together by
and each substance retains its separated physically and not
physical forces and are not
properties in the mixture. chemically.
chemically combined.

4
Just as there are millions of compounds, there are also millions of examples of mixtures. However, there
are also different mixture types within two main categories: heterogeneous and homogeneous.
Heterogeneous Homogeneous
Substances that are not evenly distributed Substances that are evenly distributed such as
such as chocolate chip cookies, pizza, or the air, salt water, or blood. For example, every
salads. For example, every bite in a chocolate sip of salt water will be the same.
chip cookie may be different.
Suspensions Solutions
Liquid and solid particles. The solid particles
One substance dissolves into the other. The
do not dissolve but spread throughout the
solute is the substance that dissolves, and the
liquid and are “suspended”. The particles will
solvent does not dissolve. For salt water, salt
eventually separate and settle to the bottom.
is a solute, and water is the solvent.
Sand and water is an example.
Colloids Alloys
Very small particles of one substance are A mixture of elements that has the
evenly distributed throughout another, but are characteristics of a metal. One of the elements
not fully dissolved. The particles do not settle mixed must be a metal. An example is steel
but stay afloat. Examples include milk, muddy which is made from a mixture of carbon and
water, jelly, and mayonnaise. iron. Others include brass and bronze.
As you can see, compounds and mixtures are everywhere including the air you breathe, the tap water you
drink, the sugar on your cereal, and the blood inside your body. The main difference between compounds
and mixtures is how the substances are joined together and how they react with each other.

5
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Sketch each of the following types of compounds or mixtures. The sketches must clearly distinguish
the differences between each. Label where needed.

Element Molecule

6
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Show the Difference Between an Element/Compound Show the Difference Between a Mixture/Compound

Homogeneous Mixture Heterogeneous Mixture

7
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Solution Suspension

Alloy Colloid

Tell whether each of the following is an Element (E), Compound (C), or Mixture (M).
rocks tea aluminum helium

copper salt lemonade ammonia

jelly beans neon gas vinegar chicken soup

sugar salad baking soda hydrogen

diamond water air dish soap

8
 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Match each definition to the correct term

1 A mixture of substances that are not evenly distributed. A Alloy

2 The place where all elements known to man are listed. B Atoms

3 Small particles distributed but do not fully dissolve in the substance. C Chemical

4 A mixture of substances evenly distributed such as air or salt water. D Colloid

5 Mixtures can be separated using this method. E Compound

6 They are made up of atoms and elements. F Element

7 Made up of 2 or more different elements joined by chemical bonds. G Heterogeneous

8 Everything is made of this. H Homogeneous

9 Substances that make up molecules. I Matter

10 One substance dissolves into another in this type of mixture. J Mixture

11 A pure substance that cannot be separated physically or chemically. K Molecules

12 Solid particles do not dissolve and may sink to the bottom. L Periodic Table

13 Compounds can be separated using this type of reaction. M Physical

14 Made up of molecules and atoms, can be a solid, liquid, or gas. N Solution

15 A mixture of elements that has the characteristics of a metal. O Suspension

9
 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Search your home (with permission) and list some examples of compounds and mixtures. Tell why
it is a compound or a mixture, and if a mixture, the type.
Compounds & Why is it a compound? Mixtures & Why is it a mixture? What type?

Circle the correct choice for each statement

1. The amount of substances in a mixture (can – cannot) be varied, for a compound they (can – cannot).
2. The different substances in a mixture (can – cannot) be joined chemically; a compound (can – cannot).
3. Substances in a mixture (does – does not) keep its own properties.
4. Substances in a compound (can – cannot) be easily separated; in a mixture, they (can – cannot).
5. Examples of (mixtures – compounds) are air, sea water, and most rocks.
6. Examples of (mixtures – compounds) are water, salt, and sugar.
7. Compounds are made of elements and have a (physical – chemical) formula.
8. A (solvent – solute) is the substance that dissolves in another substance.
9. True or False: A mixture cannot have five substances.
10. True or False: In a suspension, a substance may sink to the bottom.

10
 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Tell whether each of the following is an Element (E), Compound (C), or Mixture (M).
M rocks M tea E aluminum E helium
E copper C salt M lemonade C ammonia
M jelly beans E neon gas C vinegar M chicken soup
C sugar M salad C baking soda E hydrogen
C diamond C water M air M dish soap
Match each definition to the correct term

1 G A mixture of substances that are not evenly distributed. A Alloy

2 L The place where all elements known to man are listed. B Atoms
3 D Small particles distributed but do not fully dissolve in the substance. C Chemical
4 H A mixture of substances evenly distributed such as air or salt water. D Colloid
5 M Mixtures can be separated using this method. E Compound
6 K They are made up of atoms and elements. F Element
7 E Made up of 2 or more different elements joined by chemical bonds. G Heterogeneous
8 I Everything is made of this. H Homogeneous
9 B Substances that make up molecules. I Matter
10 N One substance dissolves into another in this type of mixture. J Mixture
11 F A pure substance that cannot be separated physically or chemically. K Molecules
12 O Solid particles do not dissolve and may sink to the bottom. L Periodic Table
13 C Compounds can be separated using this type of reaction. M Physical
14 J Made up of molecules and atoms, can be a solid, liquid, or gas. N Solution
15 A A mixture of elements that has the characteristics of a metal. O Suspension

11
 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Search your home (with permission) and list some examples of compounds and mixtures. Tell why
it is a compound or a mixture, and if a mixture, the type.
Compounds & Why is it a compound? Mixtures & Why is it a mixture? What type?

Circle the correct choice for each statement

1. The amount of substances in a mixture (can – cannot) be varied, for a compound they (can – cannot).
11. The different substances in a mixture (can – cannot) be joined chemically; a compound (can – cannot).
12. A substance in a mixture (does – does not) keep its own properties.
13. Substances in a compound (can – cannot) be easily separated; in a mixture, they (can – cannot).
14. Examples of (mixtures – compounds) are air, sea water, and most rocks.
15. Examples of (mixtures – compounds) are water, salt, and sugar.
16. Compounds are made of elements and have a (physical – chemical) formula.
17. A (solvent – solute) is the substance that dissolves in another substance.
18. True or False: A mixture cannot have five substances.
19. True or False: In a suspension, a substance may sink to the bottom.

12