The ancient Greeks believed that all matter was made up of four elements: water, fire, air, and earth. Water could be described by its chemical formula of H2O and role as a universal solvent. Fire requires oxygen, fuel, and heat to exist but can be dangerous if uncontrolled. Air is invisible but takes up space and has mass, enabling the exchange of gases between plants and animals. Earth's crust contains oxygen and silicon and its layers provide metals used to make tools and buildings.

2. OBJECTIVE:
Describe the ideas of
the Ancient greeks on
the elements

4. Who are the FOUR BROTHERS?
The first runs and he
never wearies (1)
The second eats and is
never full (2)
The third drinks and
is ever thirsty (3)

5. THE FOUR ELEMENTS
The ancient greeks believed
that there were four elements
that everything was made up of.

6. THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Water
 The chemical formula of water is H O.
 Water has many unique properties
 Water is the universal solvent.
 Less than 1% of the water supply on earth
can be used as drinking water.
2

7. THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Fire
 Fire needs three things in order to
exist: oxygen, fuel and heat.
 If uncontrolled, fire cn be dangerous
 Fire creates light, heat and smoke by
chemical reaction.
 Too much oxygen in the air is not
good.

8. THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Air
 The ancient greeks considered air a pure
element.
 Although air is invisible, it does take
space and has mass.
 The exchange of gasses between
animals and plants will not be possible
without the presence of air.

9. THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Earth
 The earth is full of a wide variety of rocks and
minerals.
 The two most common elements in the earth’s
crust are oxygen and silicon.
 Earth is made up of several layers.
 Metals from the earth’s crust are used in the
production of machinery, tools, buildings and
weapons.