Making Molecules

Summary

In this activity students will make models of some common types of molecules.

Materials

• Making Molecules worksheet
• paper
• colored pencils or crayons

Instructional Procedures

Introduction: Matter is made of particles too small to see called atoms. Scientists have developed the atomic theory to explain how matter is formed and behaves. There are only 92 naturally found kinds of atoms. There are a lot more kinds of matter that this! So how does that happen? Fortunately, atoms come together to form molecules, which is what most of matter is made of. In this activity you will make models of some common types of molecules.

Procedure:

1. On the worksheet make a key for the color of each type of atom you will use. Color the circle next to the atom to show what color you will use.
2. The letters in front of the atoms is a symbol that is used to stand for it. They are used to describe what atoms are in a molecule and a number behind them tells how many of each atom is in a molecule. The formula H20 shows that water is made of 2 hydrogen atoms bonded to 1 oxygen atom. Look at the worksheet to see the illustration.
3. Use a round object like a coin to make circles for the atoms of each of the formulas listed below. Write the letter or letters of the atoms inside them. Color them the correct color and make sure you put the name of the molecule above it.
4. Draw each of the molecules listed on the worksheet.
5. Answer the analysis questions on the worksheet.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.