Water is an abundant compound that is essential to life.  Fifth grade began their labs on matter with a series of experiments with this unique compound.  Using electrolysis, we sent a current through a solution of baking soda (an electrolyte) and water.  It is difficult to see, but we successfully separated the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The wire attached to the negative terminal of the battery collected hydrogen gas while the one connected to the positive terminal collected oxygen. There were twice as many bubbles coming from the hydrogen gas because water has two hydrogen atoms to every one oxygen atom- H2O.  Other vocabulary included wire stripper, alligator clips, cathode, anode, and 9 volt battery.