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Most elements are not found in nature in their free, or elemental, forms. They usually combine with other elements to form compounds. This series of 4 demonstrations isolates 4 elements from compounds and illustrates multiple reaction types along the way. Students make predictions prior to, and construct particle-level explanations after, the isolation of copper, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Materials are sufficient for the 4 demonstrations to be performed 5 times.

• Great introduction to chemistry, elements, and the periodic table
• Explore decomposition and single replacement reactions
• Observe properties of free elements

Students are engaged and active participants during these demonstration activities as they predict the reaction and discuss their observations. This series of 4 teacher-led demonstrations isolates 4 elements from compounds and illustrates multiple reaction types along the way. Students make predictions prior to, and construct particle-level explanations after, the displacement of copper from copper sulfate, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, the decomposition of sucrose into elemental carbon, and the isolation of hydrogen from the single replacement reaction of magnesium and hydrochloric acid. Real-world and career applications and common student misconceptions are provided for class discussion. This demonstration kit is great as an introduction to a chemistry course, during a discussion of elements and the periodic table, as practice in writing and balancing chemical reactions, and in a study of reaction types. Materials are sufficient for the 4 demonstrations to be performed 5 times.