Matter Basics Anchor Chart
6th Grade Science Classroom Anchor Chart
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF MATTER
How atoms, elements, and properties define everything in our universe
1 Atoms combine
2 Form pure Elements
3 Make up all Matter
4 Identified by Properties
Concept 1
MATTER
The "Stuff"
What is it? Anything that has mass (weight) and has volume (takes up physical space).
Examples of Matter: Air, water, rocks, desks, cells, and humans.
NOT Matter: Light, heat, sound, ideas (these are forms of energy).
Rule of Thumb: If you can weigh it and it takes up space, it's matter!
Concept 2
ATOM
Building Block
What is it? The smallest individual unit of matter that still keeps the properties of that element.
Center Core Nucleus Protons (+) & Neutrons (0)
Outer Cloud Electrons (-) Rapidly orbiting shell
Scale: Millions of atoms can fit on the period at the end of a sentence.
Concept 3
ELEMENT
Pure Substance
What is it? A pure substance composed of only ONE specific kind of atom. It cannot be broken into simpler substances.
Found on the Periodic Table (118 known):
79 • Au Gold
8 • O Oxygen
26 • Fe Iron
Key Check: Pure gold has only gold atoms. Pure oxygen has only oxygen atoms.
Concept 4
PROPERTY
The Traits
What is it? A characteristic or clue used to describe, identify, and classify a sample of matter.
Physical Properties
Observed without change: color, density, texture, state (solid/liquid/gas).
Chemical Properties
Observed in reactions: flammability, ability to rust, reactivity with acid.
Scientist Tip: Properties help you identify mystery substances!
Putting It All Together: The Brick Analogy
Memory Trick
Atom
One Single Brick
The smallest individual building piece you start with.
Element
All One Color
A bin filled with only the exact same red 2x4 bricks.
Matter
The Final Castle
Anything and everything you assemble out of the bricks.
Property
Color & Shape
Is the brick hard, shiny, magnetic, or waterproof?
Quick Check Can an element be broken down into other substances by chemical means?
No — it's already in pure form!
