Elements, Compounds and Mixtures

DJ just experienced his first really hard and confusing Science lesson. Most of our Science experiences thus far have been animals, ecosystems and such. Now he has moved into some Chemistry type lessons. From the lesson, I have taken away that compounds are exactly the same as the elements on the Periodic Table. If anyone understands this to mean something else please clarify for me, because that is how I explained it to him. Since all the elements can not be broken down any further, that is the exact definition of a compound. So if that is true, why not just leave them as elements and avoid the whole confusing compound part all together? Ugh~! I found the simple video below to help him understand what I am trying to say. Next is physical and chemical changes. I hope that chapter goes smoother, lol!

Lesson Plans For 02/07/12:

DJ:
Reading Comprehension
Language Arts: Semicolons
Science: Mixtures and Compounds
Social Studies: Map Skills
Literature Unit: Call of the Wild
Math: Saxon 65 chapter 67

Caitlin:
Head of the Class: Three Cycles
Language Arts: Spelling, Capitalization
Math: Number Names, Subtraction
Science: Wetlands, Plants and Seeds
Social Studies: Plymouth Colony