The Atoms First approach provides a consistent and logical;method for teaching general chemistry. This approach starts;with the fundamental building block of matter, the atom, and;uses it as the stepping-stone to understanding more complex;chemistry topics. Once mastery of the nature of atoms and;electrons is achieved, the formation and properties of;compounds are developed. Only after the study of matter and;the atom will students have sufficient background to fully;engage in topics such as stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium,;and thermodynamics.