There are more than 110 known elements. No element with an atomic number greater than 92 is found naturally in measurable quantities on Earth. The remaining elements are artificially produced in a laboratory setting. Elements combine in many ways to produce compounds that make up all other substances on Earth.
The student will investigate and understand the organization and use of the periodic table of elements to obtain information. Key concepts include a) symbols, atomic number, atomic mass, chemical families (groups), and periods; b) classification of elements as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals; and c) formation of compounds through ionic and covalent bonding.