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Big Idea: Atoms and molecules are building blocks of matter.

Hand writing chemical equations

Chemical Equations

Backgrounders

Learn about how to write and balance chemical equations.

Heating a liquid over a flame in a lab

Types of Chemical Reactions

Backgrounders

Learn about the four main types of chemical reactions.

Periodic Table with molecular model

Introduction to the Periodic Table of the Elements

Backgrounders

Learn about the elements of the periodic table and how they are organized.

Colourful liquids and periodic table

Describing and Classifying Matter

Backgrounders

Learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter.

People playing ice hockey

Why Do Ice Rinks Stay Frozen?

STEM Explained

Every ice rink is an example of molecular bonding and gas laws at work!

Screen capture from the TED Ed video “The genius of Mendeleev's periodic table”

The Genius of Mendeleev's Table

STEM Explained

Dmitri Mendeleev’s version of the periodic table was brilliant - find out why!

The newest chemical elements

The Newest Elements on the Periodic Table

STEM Explained

The periodic table was last updated in 2016 with four new chemical elements. What is a chemical element? What is the atomic structure of the newest chemical elements? How did they get their names?

Soapy hands

Stupendous Suds

STEM Explained

Every time you wash your hands with soap, there are complex chemical reactions taking place.

Close-up of an amethyst geode

What is a Crystal?

STEM Explained

Learn what makes a crystal a crystal.

Daisy Rosas Vargas

Daisy Rosas Vargas

Career Profiles

PhD. Candidate

Daisy Rosas Vargas is a PhD. Candidate at Indiana University.