Definition:
Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the properties, composition, and behavior of substances. It explores how substances interact with each other and transform through chemical reactions.

Key Concepts:
– Atoms and Molecules: Basic units of matter. Atoms are the building blocks, while molecules are groups of atoms bonded together.
– Elements and Compounds: Elements are pure substances made of one type of atom. Compounds are substances composed of two or more different types of atoms.

Resources:
– [Articles: Chemistry Basics](velascience.weebly.com/chemistry.html)
– [Video: What Is Chemistry?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8x3wdXZGEY)

Key Takeaways:
– Understanding chemical substances and their interactions form the core of chemistry.
– Elements and compounds have distinct characteristics and are fundamental to the study of matter.

Activity: Reflect on the basic elements (such as Hydrogen and Oxygen) and find five examples of common compounds formed by these elements.

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Lesson 2: Practical Application & Techniques
Topic: Chemical Reactions

Definition:
Chemical reactions involve transforming substances into new products by breaking and forming chemical bonds.

Key Concepts:
– Types of Reactions: Synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement.
– Balancing Equations: Ensuring the same number of atoms for each element is present on both sides of a reaction.

Resources:
– [Articles: Chemical Reactions for 7th Grade Chemistry](openscied.org/instructional-materials/7-1-chemical-reactions-matter/)
– [Video: How to Balance Chemical Equations](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY1Qeju6JKI)

Key Takeaways:
– Chemical reactions follow specific patterns and can be predicted and balanced for better understanding.
– Balancing equations is essential for understanding the conservation of mass.

Activity: Practice balancing simple chemical equations using examples from the Quizlet flashcards: [7th grade chemistry Flashcards](quizlet.com/3305241/7th-grade-chemistry-flash-cards/).

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Lesson 3: Advanced Insights & Mastery
Topic: Types of Matter

Definition:
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It can exist in different forms known as elements, compounds, mixtures, and pure substances.

Key Concepts:
– Pure Substances vs. Mixtures: Pure substances have uniform composition (either elements or compounds), whereas mixtures consist of two or more substances physically combined.
– Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures: Homogeneous mixtures have a uniform composition throughout, while heterogeneous mixtures have distinct, separate components.

Resources:
– [Articles: Types of Matter](www.acs.org/middleschoolchemistry.html)
– [Video: Types of Matter – Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, and Pure Substances](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR2iR3CZLcw)

Key Takeaways:
– Understanding the different types of matter helps in differentiating between chemical and physical changes.
– The classification of matter is important for the study of its properties and behaviors.

Activity: Create a chart classifying 10 household items into elements, compounds, homogeneous mixtures, and heterogeneous mixtures.

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Assessment Test

Question 1:
What is a molecule?
a) A type of atom
b) A group of atoms bonded together
c) A type of compound
d) A chemical reaction
Answer: b) A group of atoms bonded together

Question 2:
What type of chemical reaction involves one compound breaking down into two or more substances?
a) Synthesis
b) Decomposition
c) Single replacement
d) Double replacement
Answer: b) Decomposition

Question 3:
Which of the following is a homogeneous mixture?
a) Sand and water
b) Oil and water
c) Salt solution
d) Ice and water
Answer: c) Salt solution

Question 4:
Why is balancing chemical equations important?
a) To create new atoms
b) To ensure the conservation of energy
c) To ensure conservation of mass
d) To measure reaction speed
Answer: c) To ensure conservation of mass