Big idea: Particles and structure
All matter is made up of atoms. The behaviour and structural arrangement of atoms explains the properties of different materials.
"Particles and structure" is one of 15 big ideas of science in the Best Evidence Science Teaching collection. Understanding of the big idea is built up by a series of key concepts at age 11-16, which have been organised into teaching topics.
The research-informed resources for each key concept make up a progression toolkit that provides:
appropriately-sequenced steps for learning progression
diagnostic questions to reveal preconceptions and common misunderstandings
response activities to challenge misunderstandings and encourage conceptual development
Resources for age 11 to 14
Topic 1: Substances and mixtures
Key concept 1
Particle model for the solid, liquid and gas states
Key concept 2
Particles in solutions
Topic 2: Elements and compounds
Key concept 1
Atoms and molecules
Key concept 2
Symbols and formulae
Materials science topic: Designing materials
Key concept 1
Polymer properties
Topic 3: Chemical change
Key concept 1
Rearrangement of atoms
Topic 4: Understanding chemical reactions
Key concept 1
Representing reactions
Key concept 2
Conservation of mass
Topic 5: Evaporation
Key concept 1
Explaining evaporation
Topic 6: Periodic table
Key concept 1
Atomic model
Resources for age 14 to 16
Topic 7: Metallic bonding
Key concept 1
Metallic structure model
Topic 8: Ionic bonding
Key concept 1
Ionic lattice
Topic 9: Covalent bonding
Key concept 1
Covalent structures
Is there a recommended teaching order?
The Best Evidence Science Teaching resources can be incorporated into your existing scheme of work, if desired.
However, we have used research evidence on learning pathways and on effective sequencing of ideas to develop maps that suggest how key concepts can be sequenced to build understanding of big ideas of science. These maps can help with curriculum planning.
