Build the key vocabulary of Reading Chemical Formulas with this printable picture flash card set for Grade 6 science, aligned to Virginia Science SOL. It covers 22 essential terms, from Reading Chemical and Formulas to O2. Each term comes as a picture-and-word card and as a picture card with a clear, full-sentence definition, and two labeling worksheets let students show what they know.

What students practice

• Reading Chemical
• Formulas
• H20
• [Na]
• Chemical Formula: A chemical formula shows the elements in a substance and their relative numbers using symbols and subscripts.
• Chemical Symbol: A chemical symbol uses Na] one capital letter, sometimes followed by a lowercase letter, to represent an element.
• 2H20
• H22
• Subscript: A subscript is a small number after a chemical symbol that shows how many atoms of that element are present.
• Coefficient: A coefficient is a number before a chemical formula that tells how many units of that substance are shown.
• Atom: An atom is one unit of an element and is represented by a single sphere in many molecular models.
• Molecule: A molecule is a group of bonded atoms, such as the three atoms in one water molecule.
• Element: An element contains just one type of atom, even when those atoms join into
• Compound: molecules. A compound contains atoms of different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
• CO2
• Water: Water has the formula H2O, showing two hydrogen atoms for every oxygen atom in each molecule.
• Carbon Dioxide: Carbon dioxide has the formula CO2, showing one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms in each molecule
• NaCI
• Oxygen Gas: Oxygen gas has the formula O2 because each of its molecules contains two oxygen atoms.
• Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride has the formula NaCl, showing equal numbers of sodium and chloride ions in its crystal structure.
• Na
• O2

What’s included (10 pages)

• 22 color picture-and-word cards
• 22 picture–term–definition cards (4 pages)
• 22 black-and-white picture-and-word cards for low-ink printing or coloring
• 2 picture-labeling worksheets: students write the matching term for each picture (with Name and Class lines)

How to use it in class

1. Print the color cards (or the black-and-white set to save ink), cut them apart and laminate them to reuse.
2. Introduce the words with the picture-and-word cards, then use the definition cards to talk about what each term means.
3. Play quick games: show a picture and ask for the term, read a definition and ask which card it matches, or sort the cards into groups.
4. Use the labeling worksheets as an exit ticket, homework or review, and check them with the answer key.
5. Put the cards in a word wall or science center for independent practice.

At a glance

• Grade: 6
• Subject: Science (Reading Chemical Formulas)
• Standard: Virginia Science SOL
• Pages: 10
• Format: Printable PDF; instant digital download after purchase