How do molecules move? Are solids really stationary or do their molecules move as well? What happens during a change of state at the molecular level? This game allows students to better visualize these ideas by becoming molecules. Simulation games like this are especially helpful for kinesthetic learners.

Print the charade cards and get started! Detailed written instructions and background information will give you support on how to teach this concept. In the video I’ll talk you through the game and how it’s played. Students begin the game with a limited number of choices as they solidify their understanding of how molecules move and how temperature affects this movement. From there they move onto change of state and finally more complicated examples of diffusion and osmosis.

By starting with the scientific phenomena, you'll be intrigued and excited to dig deeper into the why’s and how’s of each scientific concept. Beautifully illustrated and well laid out, these lab activities are easy to use from the very first page. Experiments are clearly organized and written to the student so they do not need to be pre-digested by a teacher before beginning. Helpful tips throughout the experiments and the Teacher Notes leave the reader in no doubt about how to perform or understand an experiment. Designed for students and optimized for teachers, these labs will engage and fascinate students. Scaffolded writing prompts allow students of different abilities to engage with the same content. Both the teacher and the student are addressed so no additional books are needed. Engaging Science Labs are useful for classroom or homeschool environments.

Concepts Addressed
• Molecules are always in motion, even in the solid state.
• Solids, liquids, and gases have distinct molecular organization.
• When materials change from one state to another, their molecules move in a characteristic way.

Click here to see companion curricular pieces:
⭐ Osmosis Lab—Investigating Osmosis and Diffusion Using Deshelled Eggs
⭐ Diffusion Lab—Molecular Motion and Change of State Video & Written Instruction
⭐ Osmosis Lab—Investigating Diffusion and Osmosis w/ Potatoes—Video & Written Inst
⭐ Diffusion Lab—Investigating Diffusion at different temps—Video & Written Instr

Materials Needed
a group of students, copies of the charade cards

Answer Key
Extensive teacher notes address the many questions that come up. You shouldn’t have to do outside research on this topic unless you want to.

Time Required
This activity initially takes about 30 minutes but can be done in as little as 10 minutes once students are familiar with the rules.

Student Sheets
• Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting

NGSS
MS-PS1-4

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