The Shedding Light on Atoms series uses demonstrations and animations to take students on a journey of discovery to explain what we know about atoms--and how we know what we know about atoms. The first episode examines what the ancient Greeks thought about matter, including the four-element theory, Democritus' atomic theory, and alchemy. By explaining the basics of atoms, students can better understand the chemical reactions which led to their discovery. It also looks at the discovery of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the mid-1700s and explores some of the properties of these gases, including oxygen's vital role in fire.

Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on January 28, 2015. Link to website with Teacher's notes and Question Sheet for students available under Additional info tag.

Atoms Introduction --(1:52) -- Four Element Theory -- (0:55) -- Democritus' Theory -- (1:38) -- Alchemy -- (0:59) -- Periodic Table -- (2:16) -- Chemical Formulas -- (1:25) -- Mixtures and Metal Alloys -- (1:41) -- Carbon Dioxide Discovery -- (1:32) -- Chemical Equations -- (1:43) -- Carbon Dioxide Chemical Equations -- (1:35) -- Oxygen Discovery -- (1:22) -- Chemical Catalysts -- (1:28) -- Balanced Chemical Equations -- (1:57) -- Oxygen in Fire -- (2:15) -- Carbon Dioxide and Fire -- (1:46) -- Credits: Shedding Light on Atoms Episode 1: The Dawn of Modern Chemistry -- (0:23). Part A: Introduction: Atoms are far too small to be seen directly, even with the most powerful of optical microscopes. So how we know that they exist? That’s what we’re going to answer in this series. Part B: Ancient and Medieval Ideas About Matter: The ancient Greek four-element theory (of Fire, Wind, Earth and Water), Democritus’s atomic theory, the alchemists and their work… Part C: Atoms and Elements: A brief introduction to what we now know about atoms, elements (substances made up of only one type of atom), and compounds (substances made of two or more different types of atoms which have bonded together). Knowing a little bit about atoms from the outset helps give students a better understanding of the various chemical reactions which led to the discovery of atoms! Part D: The Discovery of Carbon Dioxide (CO2): In the 1750’s, carbon dioxide was discovered, showing for the first time that air was made of more than one type of gas. Part E: The Discovery of Oxygen: Oxygen is essential for life and fuels won’t burn without it.