Atoms & Chemical Formulas Activities for Middle School Science
Distinguishing between elements and compounds is a key concept in chemistry, and these engaging resources help middle school students master it with ease! This comprehensive collection guides students in comparing and contrasting atoms, molecules, chemical symbols, and formulas, providing a solid foundation in how matter is classified and represented. With interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and assessments, students will develop a clear and lasting understanding of the building blocks of chemistry. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of atoms and chemical formulas. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Built around the 5E Model, the lesson follows a structured approach:
Engagement: Interactive discussions and hands-on activities introduce students to elements, atomic symbols, and chemical formulas.
Exploration: A student-led station lab allows learners to investigate how chemical formulas represent different types and numbers of atoms, using videos, readings, research, and interactive activities.
Explanation: Editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and structured note-taking templates guide students through the learning process.
Elaboration: Student-choice projects encourage deeper exploration of atoms, molecules, and chemical formulas in creative ways.
Evaluation: STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and practice worksheets help students demonstrate mastery of the topic.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this lesson offers printable and digital formats, Spanish translations, and interactive notebook templates. Whether used as a standalone unit or as part of a broader chemistry curriculum, this comprehensive resource equips students with the tools they need to analyze chemical formulas and interpret the periodic table with confidence.
The Kesler Science Atoms & Chemical Formulas 5E Lesson, aligned with TEKS 7.6B, provides an engaging and student-centered approach to understanding atoms and chemical formulas. This fully editable, low-prep unit helps students learn how to use the periodic table to identify elements within a chemical formula and determine the number of each type of atom present. With presentations, worksheets, station labs, assessments, and student-choice projects, this lesson offers differentiated, multimodal learning experiences that keep students engaged while reinforcing key chemistry concepts.
Built around the 5E Model, the lesson follows a structured approach:
Engagement: Interactive discussions and hands-on activities introduce students to elements, atomic symbols, and chemical formulas.
Exploration: A student-led station lab allows learners to investigate how chemical formulas represent different types and numbers of atoms, using videos, readings, research, and interactive activities.
Explanation: Editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and structured note-taking templates guide students through the learning process.
Elaboration: Student-choice projects encourage deeper exploration of atoms, molecules, and chemical formulas in creative ways.
Evaluation: STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and practice worksheets help students demonstrate mastery of the topic.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this lesson offers printable and digital formats, Spanish translations, and interactive notebook templates. Whether used as a standalone unit or as part of a broader chemistry curriculum, this comprehensive resource equips students with the tools they need to analyze chemical formulas and interpret the periodic table with confidence.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Station Lab, designed for TEKS 7.6B, offers an engaging, hands-on way for students to analyze chemical formulas using the periodic table. Through interactive, student-led activities, learners will practice identifying the elements in a compound and determining how many of each type of atom is present. This low-prep, high-impact resource encourages critical thinking and exploration while reinforcing key chemistry skills.
Students rotate through nine dynamic stations, where they will conduct investigations, watch videos, read informational passages, complete sorting activities, and apply their knowledge through creative exercises. Differentiated materials, including Spanish translations and leveled reading passages, ensure accessibility for all learners. A bonus Challenge It! station provides extra enrichment for students who are ready to dive deeper.
Whether used in a traditional classroom or virtual setting, this station lab provides flexibility with both printable and digital options in PowerPoint and Google Slides. It can be used as a standalone lesson, reinforcement activity, or review tool, making it a versatile addition to any chemistry unit. Also available as part of the Chemistry Station Lab Bundle (15 topics) for extended learning.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Station Lab, designed for TEKS 7.6B, offers an engaging, hands-on way for students to analyze chemical formulas using the periodic table. Through interactive, student-led activities, learners will practice identifying the elements in a compound and determining how many of each type of atom is present. This low-prep, high-impact resource encourages critical thinking and exploration while reinforcing key chemistry skills.
Students rotate through nine dynamic stations, where they will conduct investigations, watch videos, read informational passages, complete sorting activities, and apply their knowledge through creative exercises. Differentiated materials, including Spanish translations and leveled reading passages, ensure accessibility for all learners. A bonus Challenge It! station provides extra enrichment for students who are ready to dive deeper.
Whether used in a traditional classroom or virtual setting, this station lab provides flexibility with both printable and digital options in PowerPoint and Google Slides. It can be used as a standalone lesson, reinforcement activity, or review tool, making it a versatile addition to any chemistry unit. Also available as part of the Chemistry Station Lab Bundle (15 topics) for extended learning.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Student Choice Projects, aligned with TEKS 7.6B, give students the flexibility to demonstrate their understanding in a way that best suits their learning style. With six creative project options plus a “design your own” choice, students explore how to identify elements in a chemical formula using the periodic table and determine the number of each type of atom. This student-led, differentiated resource encourages critical thinking and allows for individual creativity while reinforcing key chemistry concepts.
This resource includes editable rubrics, teacher directions, and differentiated project options to support all learners. A modified version provides extra guidance for students who need additional support, while advanced learners can tackle multiple projects for a greater challenge. Whether students choose to illustrate models, write explanations, create presentations, or develop their own project idea, this versatile, low-prep resource provides a meaningful way to assess and reinforce scientific concepts. Available in print and digital formats, it is also included in the Chemistry Student Choice Project Bundle (15 topics) and the MEGA Bundle (84 topics) for extended learning opportunities.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Student Choice Projects, aligned with TEKS 7.6B, give students the flexibility to demonstrate their understanding in a way that best suits their learning style. With six creative project options plus a “design your own” choice, students explore how to identify elements in a chemical formula using the periodic table and determine the number of each type of atom. This student-led, differentiated resource encourages critical thinking and allows for individual creativity while reinforcing key chemistry concepts.
This resource includes editable rubrics, teacher directions, and differentiated project options to support all learners. A modified version provides extra guidance for students who need additional support, while advanced learners can tackle multiple projects for a greater challenge. Whether students choose to illustrate models, write explanations, create presentations, or develop their own project idea, this versatile, low-prep resource provides a meaningful way to assess and reinforce scientific concepts. Available in print and digital formats, it is also included in the Chemistry Student Choice Project Bundle (15 topics) and the MEGA Bundle (84 topics) for extended learning opportunities.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Science Reading Comprehension Lesson, aligned with TEKS, helps students explore how chemical formulas represent substances and determine the number of atoms in a compound. Through a nonfiction article, students will learn how to interpret subscripts, identify elements, and count atoms within different chemical formulas. This engaging literacy-based activity builds science reading comprehension while reinforcing key chemistry concepts.
Students will answer 5-7 comprehension questions and complete a hands-on mini-project where they analyze various compounds and break down their chemical composition. The resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100-1300) for differentiation, a Cornell notes template, and vibrant, printable graphics to enhance engagement (with grayscale options for easy printing).
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this resource integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to annotate and respond digitally or on paper. Whether used for class discussions, independent work, sub plans, or extra credit, this lesson provides a flexible and meaningful way to strengthen science literacy and chemistry skills. Also available as part of the Science Reading Comprehension Passages Bundle for even more learning opportunities!
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Science Reading Comprehension Lesson, aligned with TEKS, helps students explore how chemical formulas represent substances and determine the number of atoms in a compound. Through a nonfiction article, students will learn how to interpret subscripts, identify elements, and count atoms within different chemical formulas. This engaging literacy-based activity builds science reading comprehension while reinforcing key chemistry concepts.
Students will answer 5-7 comprehension questions and complete a hands-on mini-project where they analyze various compounds and break down their chemical composition. The resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100-1300) for differentiation, a Cornell notes template, and vibrant, printable graphics to enhance engagement (with grayscale options for easy printing).
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this resource integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to annotate and respond digitally or on paper. Whether used for class discussions, independent work, sub plans, or extra credit, this lesson provides a flexible and meaningful way to strengthen science literacy and chemistry skills. Also available as part of the Science Reading Comprehension Passages Bundle for even more learning opportunities!
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Science Writing Prompt Activity, aligned with TEKS, challenges students to apply their understanding of chemical formulas and the periodic table through an engaging letter-writing exercise. In this activity, students will craft a letter explaining how to identify elements within a chemical formula and determine the number of each type of atom using subscripts. This creative approach helps reinforce science literacy, reasoning skills, and real-world application of chemistry concepts.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource includes teacher directions, rubrics, projection-ready prompts, and both full- and half-sheet handouts. A digital version for Google Slides and PowerPoint allows for easy integration into virtual or in-person learning environments. Whether used as a formative assessment, student-choice project, enrichment activity, or extra credit option, this writing prompt encourages students to think critically and communicate scientific ideas effectively.
Perfect for cross-curricular learning, this resource fosters deeper understanding of chemical formulas while giving students the creative freedom to express their knowledge. Their completed letters can be displayed, shared, or compiled into a class collection, making it a meaningful and interactive way to solidify key chemistry concepts. This activity is also available as part of the Science Writing Prompt Activities Bundle, offering even more opportunities for science-based writing exploration.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Science Writing Prompt Activity, aligned with TEKS, challenges students to apply their understanding of chemical formulas and the periodic table through an engaging letter-writing exercise. In this activity, students will craft a letter explaining how to identify elements within a chemical formula and determine the number of each type of atom using subscripts. This creative approach helps reinforce science literacy, reasoning skills, and real-world application of chemistry concepts.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource includes teacher directions, rubrics, projection-ready prompts, and both full- and half-sheet handouts. A digital version for Google Slides and PowerPoint allows for easy integration into virtual or in-person learning environments. Whether used as a formative assessment, student-choice project, enrichment activity, or extra credit option, this writing prompt encourages students to think critically and communicate scientific ideas effectively.
Perfect for cross-curricular learning, this resource fosters deeper understanding of chemical formulas while giving students the creative freedom to express their knowledge. Their completed letters can be displayed, shared, or compiled into a class collection, making it a meaningful and interactive way to solidify key chemistry concepts. This activity is also available as part of the Science Writing Prompt Activities Bundle, offering even more opportunities for science-based writing exploration.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments, aligned with TEKS, provide a quick and engaging way to assess students' understanding of chemical formulas and the periodic table. These interactive assessments help students practice identifying elements within a chemical formula and determining the number of atoms using subscripts. With five flexible formats, including full-screen projection, printable handouts, and a digital interactive version for Google Slides or PowerPoint, these WIKI Tickets© can be used for exit tickets, bellringers, or quick comprehension checks.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, students can complete responses on paper or digitally, making these assessments versatile and easy to implement. The colorful and engaging format encourages students to think critically about how chemical formulas represent substances, while the structured prompts help teachers quickly gauge understanding. Whether used for daily review, formative assessment, or classroom discussions, these low-prep, high-impact WIKI Tickets© ensure that students build confidence in analyzing and interpreting chemical formulas.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments, aligned with TEKS, provide a quick and engaging way to assess students' understanding of chemical formulas and the periodic table. These interactive assessments help students practice identifying elements within a chemical formula and determining the number of atoms using subscripts. With five flexible formats, including full-screen projection, printable handouts, and a digital interactive version for Google Slides or PowerPoint, these WIKI Tickets© can be used for exit tickets, bellringers, or quick comprehension checks.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, students can complete responses on paper or digitally, making these assessments versatile and easy to implement. The colorful and engaging format encourages students to think critically about how chemical formulas represent substances, while the structured prompts help teachers quickly gauge understanding. Whether used for daily review, formative assessment, or classroom discussions, these low-prep, high-impact WIKI Tickets© ensure that students build confidence in analyzing and interpreting chemical formulas.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Lesson Extensions, aligned with TEKS, provide engaging, student-choice activities that challenge early finishers while reinforcing their understanding of chemical formulas and the periodic table. These interactive, high-rigor activities encourage students to think critically, problem-solve, and apply their knowledge in creative ways, making them a great tool for extending lessons, filling downtime, or enhancing enrichment opportunities.
Each extension includes four unique activities:
Puzzler – Strengthens problem-solving skills with chemistry-related challenges.
Maker Space – Encourages hands-on learning through a STEAM-focused design activity.
Tech Connection – Allows students to demonstrate understanding using digital tools.
Word Master – Integrates creative writing into science learning for deeper comprehension.
This low-prep resource comes with teacher directions, answer keys, full-page projection slides, and printable versions to accommodate any classroom setting. Whether used for lesson wrap-ups, independent study, or differentiation, these extensions help students reinforce and expand their knowledge of chemical formulas in a fun and meaningful way.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Lesson Extensions, aligned with TEKS, provide engaging, student-choice activities that challenge early finishers while reinforcing their understanding of chemical formulas and the periodic table. These interactive, high-rigor activities encourage students to think critically, problem-solve, and apply their knowledge in creative ways, making them a great tool for extending lessons, filling downtime, or enhancing enrichment opportunities.
Each extension includes four unique activities:
Puzzler – Strengthens problem-solving skills with chemistry-related challenges.
Maker Space – Encourages hands-on learning through a STEAM-focused design activity.
Tech Connection – Allows students to demonstrate understanding using digital tools.
Word Master – Integrates creative writing into science learning for deeper comprehension.
This low-prep resource comes with teacher directions, answer keys, full-page projection slides, and printable versions to accommodate any classroom setting. Whether used for lesson wrap-ups, independent study, or differentiation, these extensions help students reinforce and expand their knowledge of chemical formulas in a fun and meaningful way.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson, aligned with TEKS, introduces students to the mystery of chemical formulas through an engaging real-world scenario. This two-part activity helps students connect science concepts to everyday experiences by first exploring a mystery liquid and making predictions based on chemical properties. The second reading then explains the science behind chemical formulas, helping students understand how to use the periodic table to identify elements and count atoms within a compound.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions, comprehension questions, and reinforcement activities that guide students through the learning process. The lesson is available in both print and digital formats, making it easy to integrate into Google Classroom, MS Teams, and other LMS platforms. A modified version with sentence starters and simplified language ensures accessibility for all learners.
Perfect for introducing or reinforcing key chemistry concepts, this versatile and engaging resource helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether used as a lesson opener or follow-up activity, these readings provide a structured way to deepen student understanding of chemical formulas while making connections to real-world applications.
The Atoms & Chemical Formulas Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson, aligned with TEKS, introduces students to the mystery of chemical formulas through an engaging real-world scenario. This two-part activity helps students connect science concepts to everyday experiences by first exploring a mystery liquid and making predictions based on chemical properties. The second reading then explains the science behind chemical formulas, helping students understand how to use the periodic table to identify elements and count atoms within a compound.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions, comprehension questions, and reinforcement activities that guide students through the learning process. The lesson is available in both print and digital formats, making it easy to integrate into Google Classroom, MS Teams, and other LMS platforms. A modified version with sentence starters and simplified language ensures accessibility for all learners.
Perfect for introducing or reinforcing key chemistry concepts, this versatile and engaging resource helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether used as a lesson opener or follow-up activity, these readings provide a structured way to deepen student understanding of chemical formulas while making connections to real-world applications.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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How can we use the periodic table to identify the atoms within a chemical formula?
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How can we identify the number of each kind of atom within a chemical formula?
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TEKS Science - 7.6B Atoms & Chemical Formulas
Kesler Science Membership
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