Y 2.3 Material Reduction

We now know that atoms join together to make molecules.

For example, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom combine to make a water molecule.

 When atoms join together it is called a chemical reaction.  The new molecule is held together by bonds.

In Minecraft, like in a science laboratory, we can break these bonds and reduce molecules and compounds into the constituent elemental atoms.

Your task - Part 1

See if you can find out what the world is really made of!

Collect as many different materials (blocks) as you can and then place them in the Material Reducer. Most natural blocks will reduce to their individual elements. 

How many different elements can you find?

Can you find a common element in all material?

Which elements appear most often?

Can you find any rare elements?

Part 2

Once you have explored a little, choose a single element (e.g. Silicon) and find as many materials that you can which have that material in them.

Plenary

Did you all find the same results?

What surprised you?

What elements are most abundant?

What elements are the rarest?  Do you think this affects value?

How does this knowledge help scientists?