Molecular Model Construction Project:
Introduction:
Molecular modeling is an important visualization technique to help students interpret chemical structure, identify the functional areas
of important biological molecules, and predict structural changes during chemical reactions. Many biological models will be
examined visually in this course and students may choose to construct one of these molecules of their choice for a marking period
project grade.
Task:
Students will complete this project over the course of the marking period. The student will seek approval from the instructor and
select a model that will sufficiently challenge the student. It is the student’s responsibility to research the chemical structure of the
molecule, its atomic composition and biological roles.
Product:
The student will produce a presentation display of sufficient quality depicting the molecular structure and identity of their chemical
and a one-page type-written summary of their findings regarding significant biological roles described for this chemical. This project
will be evaluated at the end of the marking period. A brief display and oral summary will be required to inform the class about your
work.
Molecular Model Construction Rubric
Evaluator ____________________________________
Quality
Molecular Model
Meets Quality Standards
In addition to Minimal Standards:
Attempt to depict model as a threedimensional object.
Molecular
Structure
Student ______________________________________
Points
5
Meets Minimal Standards
Accurate molecular structure
depicted as a two dimensional balland-stick structure.
Appropriate number of atoms used
and appropriate bonds depicted.
Relative angles and size of atoms
depicted.
Points
3
In addition to minimal standards:
Short abstract of the chemical and its
role in biology added along with
formula.
Model is more complex than required
in minimum standards
In addition to minimal standards:
Creativity demonstrated in
presentation: formatting is stylish,
attempt made to add theme or to add
artistic flair.
5
Molecule selected is sufficiently
complex: consists of at least three
different elements, up to ten atoms.
Accurate formula of the chemical
depicted on the presentation.
3
Molecule is insufficiently complex
and/or inaccurate formula depicted
on the presentation.
1
3
Insufficient project materials
selected to construct model (crude
design).
Atoms are not color-coded or
sufficiently labeled
1
Written Content
In addition to Minimal Standards:
Sufficiently detailed summary with
course connections. This may require
consultation with the teacher for
steerage.
5
3
Insufficient written summary of
learning because cotent is high
inaccurate or does not meet length
and/or minimum references not met.
1
Grammar
Punctuation
Capitalization
Spelling
No errors
5
Sufficient project materials selected
to construct model: Styrofoam,
plastic, wood, etc.
Atoms are color coded and/or
sufficient labeling is presented on
the project
Model is mounted on poster board
for display.
Approximately one-page typewritten summary 10-12 point font of
molecule’s biological role. 2 MLA
formatted references required
(Wikipedia is acceptable for one
reference). Content knowledge is
demonstrated.
Up to 3 errors (note and correct)
3
More than 3 errors
1
Formatting
Add total circled points
Add total circled points
Does Not Meet Minimal Standards
In accurate molecular structure
depicted because it fails to meet
minimum criteria:
Ball-and-stick model inaccurate
Inappropriate atoms or elements
used
Attempts to depict accurate angle
and size of atoms not made
Add total circled points
Points
1