Elements, Compounds & Mixtures: Complete Workbook & Interactive Simulation (AQA 4.1.1.1)

AQA GCSE Chemistry - Elements, Compounds & Mixtures (Topic 1, Workbook 2)

This is a complete workbook pack for the second part of Topic 1 (4.1.1.1). It is designed to follow on from my free Atomic Structure resource. It includes a printable student workbook and a simulation tool to help visualise chemical bonding.

What is in the Student Workbook (13 Pages):

Page 1: Learning goals and keyword checklist.

Page 2: “Hierarchy of Matter.” Defines Atom, Element, Compound, and Mixture with a visual identification drill.

Page 3: Symbols & Formulae. A table of the top 10 elements to learn and a guide on counting atoms in formulas (e.g., H2SO4).

Page 4: Chemical Reactions. Explains word equations and the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Page 5: Balancing Equations Tutorial. A step-by-step guide and worked example (“The Golden Rule”) on how to balance H2+O2→H2O.

Page 6: Formula Challenge. Practice writing formulas for compounds like Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Carbonate.

Page 7: Balancing Practice. Tiered questions (Easy, Medium, Hard) on balancing equations for ammonia, chlorine gas, and methane combustion.

Page 8: Real World Chemistry. Context on Air (mixture), Sea Water, and Alloys (Steel), plus a discussion on “Pure” juice vs. chemically pure substances.

Page 9: Visualising Matter. Particle diagrams (“Spot the difference”) to distinguish between compounds and mixtures.

Page 10: Classification Challenge. A “match up” activity sorting Oxygen, Air, Gold, etc. into elements, compounds, and mixtures.

Page 11: Separation & Symbols. A summary table of separation techniques (Filtration, Crystallisation, Distillation, Chromatography) and a quick quiz on tricky Latin symbols (Na, K, Fe, Pb).

Page 12: Exam Practice. Short answer questions defining “element” and distinguishing compounds from mixtures.

Page 13: Extended Response. A structured 6-mark question: “Describe the hierarchy of matter from atoms to mixtures”.

What is the “Reaction Chamber” Simulation? I built this HTML tool to accompany the workbook. It runs in any web browser (no installation needed).

Build Compounds: Students drag element beads (Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, etc.) into a chamber to see if they react.

Visualise Bonding: If a compound forms (e.g., Water, Carbon Dioxide, Sodium Chloride), it shows the molecular structure and explains if the bond is Ionic or Covalent.

Discovery Log: Tracks progress as students find all 14+ hidden compounds.

Challenge Mode: A timed game where students must create specific compounds against the clock.

Files Included:

Student Workbook (PDF) - 13 pages, ready to print.

Teacher Answers (PDF) - Mark schemes.

Reaction_Simulation_Online.html - The interactive tool (requires internet connection).

Reaction_Simulation_Offline.html - The interactive tool (No internet required).

I have priced this resource at £1 to cover the time spent coding the simulation and designing the booklet.