What are things made of?
Elements, compounds, and measurable change
What happens when substances combine — and how do we know?
Science inquiry · Unit 6
What are things made of?
Elements, compounds, and measurable change
Material World · Structure and properties
Wero
What happens when substances combine — and how do we know?
First step
Design a bounded reaction observation with before/after measurements.
What you will show
Claim with linked datapoints and explicit uncertainty language.
Local place context
Which classroom reaction or material will you investigate — and what safety rules apply?
Material World · Structure and properties
First step
Design a bounded reaction observation with before/after measurements.
Expected outcome
Claim with linked datapoints and explicit uncertainty language.
You will interpret formulas, classify elements, observe reactions, and write word equations using clear evidence from the lab. How elements combine into compounds and how you can tell a chemical reaction has occurred from observable evidence. Reaction observations (colour, gas, precipitate, temperature change), element classifications, and word equations.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
Before/after mass in reactions
What happens to total mass when substances combine in a closed system?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Temperature change on mixing
Does temperature rise or fall — and what does that suggest about energy?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Indicator colour patterns
How do indicators respond across a series of safe test liquids?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Reaction rate comparison
Which condition speeds observable change — one variable at a time?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Product vs reactant evidence
What observations support that a new substance formed?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Reaction timeline chart
Visualise change over time for your audience.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
Test-tube rack
Laser-cut a rack that standardises tube positions.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
Safety signage
Vinyl-cut clear rules for your investigation station.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
Probe stabiliser
3D print a holder for probes during timed reads.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Automated timer log
Arduino sketch that timestamps each observation.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.