Our session on 16th October introduced the group to the basic structure of an atom, explained protons, neutrons and electrons, their charges, and where they are found. We then explored how the periodic table organises elements by atomic number and groups with similar properties.
We identified common elements and their symbols. The session then compared elements, compounds and mixtures, showing that compounds contain chemically joined elements, while mixtures contain substances that are not chemically joined.
A short practical activity in small groups followed, the task was to make some molecular models and encouraged the use of scientific vocabulary, teamwork and scientific explanations as they worked together.
After the tea break, John Tedstone told us about Erasmus Darwin who was born on 12 December 1731 in Elston Hall, near Newark-on-Trent and died on 18 April 1802, aged 70, at Breadsall Priory near Derby.
He was a doctor, poet, inventor and natural philosopher. John explained Darwin’s scientific interests, including his early ideas about how living things change over time. We also learned about his inventions, his influential writings and his place in the Darwin family as the grandfather of Charles Darwin.
Next Meeting
We meet at JGC at 10am on Friday 20th November
David Rose