MOLECULE ASSIGNMENT
NAME(S): __________________________
MOLECULE: ________________________
Either individually OR in pairs, you will build a molecule from the list on the back of this
page. Be sure to follow the guidelines below:




Molecule must include correct bonds and bond angles
Make it durable
Include a legend indicating elemental composition
Label molecule (your name(s) & molecule name)
You will also write a research report on your molecule, following the guidelines below:







Minimum two pages (size 12 font; double-spaced) in length, typed (approx. 500 words)
Describe the chemical & physical properties
Name & describe a safe alternative substance that could be used for the application
(of your molecule) mentioned on the back of this page
Pictures may be included if you wish
Include a minimum of 3 references, in APA format – including at least one book or
periodical (newspaper, magazine, journal article) reference
Explain any new/strange terminology
Edit for spelling/grammar
EVALUATION:
MOLECULE MODEL:
Durability
Correct bonds & angles
Legend & Labels
/2
/8
/3
REPORT:
Properties
Safe alternative
Length correct
Spelling/grammar
References – correct #, kind; reliable
References – research notes submitted
References – correct APA format
/4
/3
/1
/3
/3
/2
/2
_____
31 (A)
MOLECULE CHOICES:
The table below includes molecules that are known to be potentially dangerous (to
one’s health, etc).
The right-hand column of the table gives a particular use for each molecule. As a part
of your report you will do research to determine a safer alternative substance that
could be used for the same purpose as the molecule you choose.
MOLECULE
Diethanolamine (DEA)
USE
Sudsing agent (in shampoo, for example)
2-Butoxyethanol (a.k.a. Butyl cellosolve)
Glass cleaner
Formaldehyde
Furniture polish
Butane
Aerosol propellant
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Para-hydroxybenzoate (a.k.a. Parabens)
Preservative added to food, lipstick &
moisturizer
Cosmetics preservative
Aspartame
Sugar substitue
Sucralose
Sugar substitute
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Plastic products
Glycol ether
Paint, cleaning products, cosmetics
Dyes (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3,
Red 40, Yellow 5, or Yellow 6)
Food dyes
Triclosan
Antibacterial agent
DDT
Pesticide
Acetamiprid
Insecticide
Ammonium hydroxide
Glass cleaner