Atoms and Molecules for Kids: The Building Blocks of Matter (Grade 5 to Grade 8 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning about atoms and molecules. Everything around you, the air, the water, even you, is made of tiny pieces far too small to see.

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. All matter is made of atoms. Atoms are so tiny that hundreds of thousands of them could line up across the width of one hair.

An atom has a center called the nucleus. It holds protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which have no charge. Tiny electrons, with a negative charge, zoom around the outside.

An element is a substance made of only one kind of atom. Gold, oxygen and carbon are all elements. Scientists know of one hundred eighteen elements, and they are organized on a chart called the periodic table.

When two or more atoms join together, they make a molecule. A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms joined to one oxygen atom. That is why scientists write water as H two O.

Some molecules are made of the same kind of atom, like the oxygen gas we breathe, which is two oxygen atoms. Others mix different atoms, like carbon dioxide, with one carbon and two oxygens.

Now it's your turn. A molecule of methane has one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. How many atoms is that altogether? Pause and try. One plus four makes five atoms.

Great job! Remember, all matter is made of atoms. Atoms have protons, neutrons and electrons. An element has one kind of atom, and atoms join to make molecules. Practice atoms and molecules in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!