Topic
Electron Domains and Molecular Shape
Skill
Making a Strong Argument
EBA Activity
Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise
Claims
Claim: It is easy to make a mistake when deciding on molecular
shape
Procedure

It is hard to visualize Electron Domains

It is easy to draw the Lewis Dot Diagrams

Many of the shapes are easy to confuse
[5 minutes] DO NOW: Using the kit in the front of the room,
create a ball-and-stick model of the molecule written on the
board.
[5 minutes] Discussion of do now.
[25 minutes] Lesson: At the beginning of this period, the class
will learn about electron domains and molecular shape.
[10 minutes] Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise
[10 minutes] Closing/ Summary and discussion of homework.
Timing/ Pacing



The previous day students learned about ball-and-stick
model.
This activity will take no longer than 10 minutes.
This activity would take place at the end of the lesson.
After this lesson, students would learn about space-filling
models
Notes
This is a standard Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise.
Follow-Up Activity
To add an oral component, this activity may be performed as a
Choosing the Best Warrant Mini-Debate
Text
Standard Chemistry Text
Boston Debate League © 2012
Name:_____________________________________ Class:__________________Date:______________
Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise
Background Information:
Draw the dot diagram and shape for:
NH3
HCN
Claim: It is easy to make a mistake when deciding on molecular shape
Warrants:
1) It is hard to visualize Electron Domains
2) It is easy to draw the Lewis Dot Diagrams
3) Many of the shapes are easy to confuse
Preparing to Write
Step 1 – Select the strongest warrant. Warrant #___.
Step 2 – Provide 2 reasons why the warrant you choose is the strongest
Reason 1:
Reason 2:
Step 3 – Provide 2 reasons, 1 for each of the 2 weaker warrants why they are not as strong of an
argument.
Warrant #__ is weaker because…
Warrant #__ is also weaker because…
Paragraph Set-up
Boston Debate League © 2012
The strongest reason for believing [claim] is true is the fact that [the warrant you chose]. One
reason why this warrant is best is [reason why the warrant is best]. Additionally, [2nd reason
why the warrant is best]. Some would argue that [1st opposing warrant] is a better reason to
believe [claim], but that is not the case. Specifically, [reason why 1st opposing warrant is
weaker]. In addition, others would argue that [2nd opposing warrant] is a better reason to
believe [claim], but that is not the case. In fact, [reason why 2nd opposing warrant is weaker].
Thus, [the chosen best warrant] is clearly the best reason to believe [claim].
Paragraph
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Boston Debate League © 2012