In Unit 1, you studied cells—the building blocks of all living organisms. Your science journey will now continue with the study of atoms—the building blocks of all non-living substances—in the branch of science known as chemistry. Chemistry is the study of matter and its composition, properties, and changes. You will learn about the structure and interaction of particles that create matter and how scientists used technology to discover the internal structure of atoms. You will also study chemical reactions by classifying, balancing, and predicting products. Finally, you will look at the law of conservation of mass. All of these concepts form the foundation for future studies in chemistry.

1. describe the basic particles that make up the underlying structure of matter and investigate related technologies

2. explain, using the periodic table, how elements combine to form compounds and follow IUPAC guidelines for naming ionic compounds and simple molecular compounds
   

3. identify and classify chemical changes and write word and balanced chemical equations for significant chemical reactions as applications of Lavoisier’s law of conservation of mass