Author: Debbie DeLucia
Building Molecular Models is a simulation designed to provide students with easy access to the
molecular structure of common chemicals. As students build physical, molecular models in
class, a Flash-based simulation allows students to click on a chemical name to determine the
accuracy of their molecular models, reinforcing atomic structure and chemical bonds. This
interactive, hands-on simulation was created by Computer Science students at Cal State San
Marcos under the leadership of Youwen Ouyang.
To access the first simulation, click on http://projects.cs.csusm.edu/chemicalmodels/Main.swf
Activity #1: Follow these steps and at the end of the activity, discuss your observations
with the person sitting next to you.
Step 1 Starting with the chemical name at the top of the list, click on each chemical substance
and observe the structure and chemical formula of the digital molecular models
iQUEST Lesson http://www.csusm.edu/iquest-NSF Project Award Number: 0833753
Chemical Models
Step 2 Compare both the digital models to determine which one provides students with the best
example for building their models
Step 3 Continue the process for each common substance’s chemical name
Activity #2: Next, click on the URL http://projects.cs.csusm.edu/models/lab.swf to practice
combining elements of common substances.
Step 1 Click on a compound of your choice, e.g. Water.
Step 2 Locate the first element on the periodic table and click and drag it to the correct box.
Repeat the steps until all the elements are arranged in the correct order
iQUEST Lesson http://www.csusm.edu/iquest-NSF Project Award Number: 0833753
Chemical Models
Step 3 Click on the BACK button on the door to go back to the compound table.
Step 4 Follow the same procedures with each common substance/formula.
Step 5 Discuss your observations and the potential uses with the person sitting next to you.
iQUEST Lesson http://www.csusm.edu/iquest-NSF Project Award Number: 0833753
Chemical Models
Lesson Title: Molecular Models
Author: Debbie DeLucia
Overview: Are you searching for ways to integrate technology in your science classroom? This
interactive simulation helps build on prior knowledge by providing students with multiple
opportunities to view the molecular arrangement of common chemicals through models. As
students click and drag elements to the correct box, they can see how the number of valence
electrons in each element plays an important role in the molecular arrangement (as represented
by a model).
Science Concepts: Chemical formulas can be a difficult concept for middle school students to
grasp without the use of visuals and multiple experiences. Through this activity, students are
able to observe how the valence electrons of element interact to bond and form new products
with unique chemical properties.
Objectives:
Science Standard: (5.a)

Chemical reactions are processes in which atoms are rearranged into different
combinations of molecules. As a basis for understanding this concept: Students know
reactant atoms and molecules interact to form products with different chemical
properties.
Pre-Activities and Concepts: Prior to the lesson students complete a "Triple Threat" vocabulary
task using the academic vocabulary related to the unit. The "Triple Treat" vocabulary worksheet
has three columns. Column one includes a place for the academic vocabulary, the second
column is for the definition and the third column is a place for students to draw a colored icon
related to the definition (see attached "Triple Threat" worksheet).
Students watch a 2 minute video on how elements bond and form new products. They complete a
cloze note worksheet as they watch the video.
Students review textbook content and discuss how the elements on the periodic table contain a
particular number of valence electrons (i.e. the number of electrons in the outer shell). Provide
students with time to further explain how elements bond (i.e. ionic, covalent, or metallic) or
combine. A teacher facilitated discussion on the common elements and their uses is intended to
illicit real world examples of these elements.
iQUEST Lesson http://www.csusm.edu/iquest-NSF Project Award Number: 0833753
Chemical Models
NET Standards (http:www.iste.org):
1c. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and
develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students used models and
simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
Support Materials (Video, Web links, etc):
Short video clip to engage students about the important concepts needed for constructing a
molecular model. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqjcCvzWwww
The computerized simulations created by computer science students at Cal State San Marcos
provide easy access during class to reinforce concepts and verify the accuracy of the model
students choose to build.
http://projects.cs.csusm.edu/chemicalmodels/Main.swf
http://projects.cs.csusm.edu/models/lab.swf
Technology/system requirements: Laptops, Projector, Internet access, video, speakers
connected to the laptop to project sound from video
Material Requirements: Building Molecular Models Simulation worksheet, YouTube video,
vocabulary tally worksheet, "Triple Threat" vocabulary worksheet, and writing utensils.
Teacher Notes: Set up the websites on the classroom computers prior to students entering the
room. Allow time for preview, review of online content to assure best results.
Engage: Teacher will activate prior knowledge by introducing a video on ionic and covalent
bonding. Students will watch an 8 minute video and record the tallies of how often they see or
hear the "Triple Threat" academic vocabulary. At the end of the video, students will discuss
their understanding of the words with a classmate and find examples from the video that relate to
their understanding.
Explore: Students will work individually at the computer to explore the concepts of building
chemical models using the following websites:
http://projects.cs.csusm.edu/chemicalmodels/Main.swf
http://projects.cs.csusm.edu/models/lab.swf
iQUEST Lesson http://www.csusm.edu/iquest-NSF Project Award Number: 0833753
Chemical Models
Allow students to use the first simulation to determine visually how each chemical formula is
represented. On the second simulation, students will use prior knowledge to construct virtual
models of common elements and illustrate their findings on the worksheet.
Explain: At the end of the lesson, students will demonstrate knowledge of this concept by
discussing their findings with a partner, and displaying accurate molecular models.
Evaluate: Students will record their data on the Building Molecular Models Simulation
worksheet. Students will be asked which molecular model they plan to build and explain why
they chose it.
Extend: Students follow the parameters set in this activity and in the next lesson, use
manipulatives provided by the classroom teacher to build a molecular model.
Assessment, Product or Outcome: Students will record data on the Building Molecular
Models Simulation worksheet as an authentic product. In addition, they will share their
understanding verbally and visually in a whole class closure discussion.
Evidence of ICT alignment with science concepts: Students demonstrate innovation and
creativity using the Cal State San Marcos simulation to build a molecular model based on the
chemical formula of a common chemical substance.
Attachment Descriptions:
Academic Vocabulary Worksheet: Use the student worksheet to tally the number of times they
heard the vocabulary words and provide specific examples from the video.
Simulation Worksheet: Use the student worksheet to illustrate the structure of each common
chemical.
Triple Threat Academic Vocabulary Worksheet: Students write academic vocabulary on the
left, define the word, and draw an icon that illustrates their understanding of the word.
iQUEST Lesson http://www.csusm.edu/iquest-NSF Project Award Number: 0833753
Chemical Models