Atoms, Molecules and Compounds
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Atoms, Molecules and Compounds" is written for 6th Grade (Ages 11-12), and it covers NGSS MS-PS1-1. If your student is a year younger but already steady on matter, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and atoms and molecules never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.
2 pages in this set
6th grade science worksheet: read about atoms and molecules, then decide if O2, H2O and NaCl are elements or compounds. Answer key included. Part of our atoms and molecules matter collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with Atoms, Molecules and Compounds so students have the vocabulary, then label the atom. Use the note on Element Symbols and Names and the box on Counting Atoms in a Formula as references while students work.
What students will practice
- Students will define atom, element, molecule and compound using a short text and models.
- Students will read a chemical formula to tell how many atoms of each element it has.
- Students will explain why O2 is an element while table salt, NaCl, is a compound.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 6th Grade
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FAQ
How do I use this atoms and molecules worksheet?
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Start with Atoms, Molecules and Compounds so students have the vocabulary, then label the atom. Use the note on Element Symbols and Names and the box on Counting Atoms in a Formula as references while students work.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Read about atoms and molecules, then decide if O2, H2O and NaCl are elements or compounds. The directions on the page read: Read the text and study the models. Then answer the questions on page 2. An answer key is included.
Can I use this atoms and molecules worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade matter, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with atoms and molecules. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?
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An atom is one of the tiny particles all matter is made of. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. O2 is a molecule with two oxygen atoms.
How do you count atoms in a chemical formula?
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A small number after a symbol counts the atoms of that element, and no number means one atom. A big number in front multiplies the whole formula, so 2H2O has 4 H and 2 O. Counting Atoms in a Formula also shows how parentheses work.
What are protons, neutrons and electrons?
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Protons have a positive charge and neutrons have no charge, and both sit in the nucleus. Electrons have a negative charge and move around outside the nucleus in electron shells. Parts of an Atom has students record this in a table.
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