Classifying and categorising the world around us appears to be a very human instinct. Classification enables us to make sense of our environment. Scientists have found it useful to classify substances as elements and compounds, with elements being the basic building blocks of matter.
After working through this topic you will be able to:
- define what is meant by an element and a compound;
- appreciate the development of scientific thought through history;
- tackle misconceptions in students' thinking with regards to elements and compounds; and
- use examples from history to help develop students' problem-solving skills.