Description
This activity allows students to “make” a molecule to connect what they see to what they feel. This activities purpose is to solidify the idea that molecules can have the same formula but have different properties caused by their structure.
Understanding molecular models is essential and fundamental to all chemistry.
This activity can be done individually or in pairs.
This activity can use other forms of reusable materials such as clay.
Toothpicks can be substituted from angel hair macaroni.
This activity should be supplemented by readings and activities about graphite and diamonds.
Materials for graphite per student or group:
20 mini marshmallows
22 toothpicks (round or flat)
Materials for diamond per student or group:
13 mini marshmallows
15 toothpicks (round or flat)
BONUS MATERIAL: UNDERSTANDING MOLECULES
This activity gives students practice connecting molecular formula with structure. Molecules used in this activity are NGSS examples of models used in testing.
This activity can be used in multiple ways:
Fruit Loops, skittles, or gum drops in multiple colors.
Students lay manipulative on chart to reinforce the idea that molecules are made of different elements.
Students count the number of each element in the molecule and connect that to the chemical formula.
Highlights
Description
This activity allows students to “make” a molecule to connect what they see to what they feel. This activities purpose is to solidify the idea that molecules can have the same formula but have different properties caused by their structure.
Understanding molecular models is essential and fundamental to all chemistry.
This activity can be done individually or in pairs.
This activity can use other forms of reusable materials such as clay.
Toothpicks can be substituted from angel hair macaroni.
This activity should be supplemented by readings and activities about graphite and diamonds.
Materials for graphite per student or group:
20 mini marshmallows
22 toothpicks (round or flat)
Materials for diamond per student or group:
13 mini marshmallows
15 toothpicks (round or flat)
BONUS MATERIAL: UNDERSTANDING MOLECULES
This activity gives students practice connecting molecular formula with structure. Molecules used in this activity are NGSS examples of models used in testing.
This activity can be used in multiple ways:
Fruit Loops, skittles, or gum drops in multiple colors.
Students lay manipulative on chart to reinforce the idea that molecules are made of different elements.
Students count the number of each element in the molecule and connect that to the chemical formula.
