Tiny Blocks

A highly visual 5-day unit exploring the microscopic building blocks of our world: atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds. Designed with concrete visual models, color-coded block representations, and low-barrier station activities to prevent cognitive overload while building vocabulary.

CBChloe Brown

Atoms Unleashed

An introduction to the microscopic universe, defining atoms as the singular 'building block' of all matter. Students explore the concept using a concrete building brick analogy and observe real-world elements like gold and helium.

Perfect Pairs

Explores molecules and the concept of chemical bonding using linked visual blocks. Students learn how single atoms pair up to form diatomic molecules of elements, and how different atoms unite to form compounds.

Chemical Castles

Consolidates student understanding by comparing atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds. Uses visual graphic organizers and hands-on vocabulary matching cards to reinforce key distinctions.

Station Exploration

Provides high-engagement, tactile, and highly visual learning stations. Students rotate through quick activities to count atoms, match real-world substances to block models, and solve mini-puzzles.

Material World

A synthesis of the entire unit where students explore how complex everyday materials are engineered from basic building block atoms. Includes a unit assessment and exit ticket set.