Atoms & Particles

Unit Summary

This first chemistry unit covers the fundamentals of the topic and aims to equip your students with a foundational understanding of chemistry. To begin with, students will delve into the particle model to comprehend the states of matter - solids, liquids, and gases. They will discover that matter is composed of tiny particles that exhibit different behaviors in various states. Then, the students will explore changes of state, such as melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation. By grasping how particles rearrange during these changes, students will develop critical thinking skills and the capacity to explain everyday phenomena using the particle model. The unit will then explore the link between particle collisions and pressure and will distinguish between atoms, elements and compounds. The students will explore how chemicals are symbolically represented through chemical symbols and formulas before tackling the concept of mass conservation in chemical reactions. By understanding that matter cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed, the students will develop analytical skills and the ability to interpret chemical equations and reactions.

Throughout this unit, Developing Experts emphasise the practical application of chemistry in the real world, and one of the paths students can take is illuminated through the career opportunities displayed by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), who are the sponsors of this unit.

During this unit you will hear from the following industry experts:

          Name:                                          Job Title:

1.       Mark Wareing                               Programme Manager

2.      Sophie Abrahams                        Environmental Scientist

3.      Melanie Brownridge                   Technology & Innovation Director

4.      Daniel Wilmot                              Waste Strategy Graduate

5.      Chris Anwyl                                  Strategy Implementation Manager