Molecule Project
Name ________________________________________
Sci ____
Background: Atoms combine so that they can have 8 outer electrons; this is the octet rule. Hydrogen is an exception. Helium, a
noble gas, is also an exception. A molecule results when two or more atoms share electrons. When atoms bond in this way, it is
called "Covalent Bonding." All compounds are pure substances and have properties that differ from their component elements! A
compound is a material formed from elements chemically combined in definite proportions by mass. For example, water is formed
from chemically bound hydrogen and oxygen. Any pure water sample contains 2 g of hydrogen for every 16 g of oxygen.
Project 1
Project 2
Extra Credit
Choose Project 1 or 2
Draw 10 molecules
Draw 5 molecules + write 5 Haiku poems (or other options) for 5 additional molecules
Build 1 edible candy molecule (you can build more than one.) Do this at home.
Directions for Drawing 5 or 10 Molecules:
1) Write the name and formula of each molecule near your drawing.
2) Neatly draw the structure of each molecule. Use color!
3) Make sure that all valence (outer) electrons are clearly visible.
4) Make sure that all bonds between electrons are straight. No spaghetti lines!
(You may rotate the electrons around the atom for a better connection.)
5) Indicate the number of elements that are in the molecule.
6) Indicate the total number of atoms in the molecule.
7) Use color!
Guanine = 4 elements and 16 atoms
Example:
Name
Hydrogen gas
Formula
H2
Molecule
Element(s)
1
Name
Formula
1) Nitrogen gas (~ 79% of air)
N2
2) Chlorine gas (poisonous)
Cl2
3) Oxygen gas (~ 21% of air)
O2
4) Fluorine gas (poisonous)
F2
5) Hydrochloric acid (gastric acid)
HCl
6) Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) H2S
7) Water
H2O
8) Silica (in glass and cement)
SiO2
9) Carbon dioxide (breathing out now) CO2
10) Hydrogen Cyanide (poisonous)
HCN
11) Hydrogen peroxide (disinfectant)
H2O2
12) Acetylene gas (blow torches)
C2H2
13) Ammonia
NH3
14) Ethylene gas (ripens fruit)
C2H4
15) Methane gas (natural gas)
CH4
16) Formic acid (ant sting)
HCOOH
(Double bond an O to the C)
17) Methanol (Wood alcohol)
CH3 OH
18) Vinegar
CH3COOH
(Double bond an O to the C)
19) Ethanol (alcohol)
CH3 CH2 OH
20) Propane gas (grilling food)
C3H8
21) Isopropyl Alcohol
CH3 CHOH CH3
Scoring Rubric
Per molecule
Correct Drawings:
5 points
Color:
1 point
Identifying Elements:
1 point
Identifying Atoms:
1 point
Writing Names & Formulas:
2 points
See the directions on the back of this sheet for more options.
Total atoms
2
After 5 drawings … here are other options for the project:
1) Haiku: Write some poems! Identify the name and formula of the molecule. Explain the structure of the molecule. Indicate the
number of elements that are in the molecule. Indicate the total number of atoms in the molecule. You may wish to explain why
atoms bond to one another. Include a table near your poem that gives the required information about your molecule. See above.
5 syllables first
Seven syllables come next
5 finish your poem
2) Create a newspaper article about a molecule in "Molecules Monthly". This article should include a headline, an illustration,
and some quotes from the atoms that make up the molecule. Explain the structure of the molecule. Explain why atoms bond to one
another. Indicate the number of elements that are in the molecule. Indicate the total number of atoms in the molecule.
3) Write a letter to someone and explain how a molecule is put together. Explain the structure of the molecule. Explain why atoms
bond to one another. Indicate the number of elements that are in the molecule. Indicate the total number of atoms in the molecule.
4) Write a dialogue between all the atoms that make up a molecule. Explain the structure of the molecule. Explain why atoms
bond to one another. Indicate the number of elements that are in the molecule. Indicate the total number of atoms in the molecule.
Extra Credit to be completed at home: Edible Molecule: Create a 2-dimensional molecule with 4 or more atoms.
How to build…
-Cardboard backing for strength
-Cover cardboard with Aluminum foil for cleanliness
-Use edible “glue” (ex: confectioner’s sugar and H20)
-Include a key (Red Gumdrops = Hydrogen, M&Ms = _____, Twizzlers = _____)
-Cover with plastic wrap to bring in
-Get creative and be sure to include the following information:
Name
Hydrogen gas
Formula
H2
Molecule
Element(s)
1
Total atoms
2