Molecule Models
In this chapter, you learned about atoms and the bonds that form between
them. To illustrate bonding, chemists use ball –and-stick modeling
kits. These kits usually contain balls that represent the atoms, and
sticks that represent the chemical bonds between the atoms. The balls
are usually color-coded with different colors representing different elements. Different
stick types are usually included so that different types of chemical bonds (single, double,
or triple) can be modeled.
In this project, you will create your own modeling kit. Your kit will contain several
different atoms. They will also contain chemical bonds that you will use to join the atoms
together. You will use these kits to create compounds that contain ionic and covalent
bonds.
Project Rules:
 You should create at least six models of compounds – three with ionic bonds, and
three with covalent bonds.

Your models should be displayed together in some fashion (attached to a board, in
a diorama-style box). The ionic compounds should be grouped together and titled
“Ionic Compounds”. The molecular compounds should be grouped together and
titled “Molecular Compounds.” Each model should be labeled with the name of
the compound and its formula.

In addition to your models, you must have a chart that gives an overview of all
your models. This chart will act as a key, explaining how you have illustrated
different elements and types of bonds.

The following is a list of molecular compounds. Select any 3 of them to model:
o Water
o Carbon Dioxide
o Hydrogen Peroxide
o Nitrogen
o Sugar (glucose)
o Sulfur dioxide
o sulfur hexafluoride
o carbon tetrachloride
o nitrogen triiodide

The following is a list of ionic compounds. Select any 3 of them to model:
o Potassium Oxide
o Aluminum Fluoride
o Lithium Sulfide
o Calcium Chloride
o Magnesium Oxide
o Sodium Chloride
o Beryllium Iodide
o Iron Oxide
o Aluminum Oxide
Suggested Materials
 Be creative when selecting the materials for building your models. Some
suggestions include raisins, gumdrops, jellied fruit candies, marshmallows,
jellybeans, and clay

Different elements should be represented by different substances (for example,
you cannot use marshmallows to represent all of your different elements, only one
element).

Chemical bonds can be modeled by using items such as toothpicks, pipe cleaners,
or paper clips (remember that different types of bonds need to be made of
different materials).

When selecting your materials for making atoms, think about how you will join
your atoms together. Softer materials (marshmallows) may work better than
harder items (hard candies) because you can join them with toothpicks or paper
clips.

If you plan on using materials that are perishable, make sure you construct your
models close to the date the project is due so that the models do not spoil.

When making your atom models, make sure that you make multiples of each
element because you will need several when creating your models of compounds.

Make sure you use the same type of substance for each element (For example, if
you use a pink jellybean to represent Oxygen, then it should represent Oxygen in
every compound you make that contains Oxygen).

Compounds containing ionic bonds form crystals of indefinite size. Each ion is
held in place by the attractive force between it and neighboring ions with opposite
electric charges. Such compounds can be modeled as patterns of alternating ions
with no two ions of the same element next to each other. You can model these by
showing only one part of the crystal that repeats.

Some of your models may include elements that exist as molecules made of one
kind of atoms.
This project will count as a test/project grade and
is due on Thursday May 30, 2013
Molecule Models
Agreement for Projects Done by Two Students
I am requesting permission to work with one or two other students, of my own choice, to
complete the Molecule Models project.
I fully understand and agree to the following:
 It is my responsibility, along with that of my project partner(s), to appropriately
meet to plan and finish the project.
 Once approved, this is an irrevocable commitment. I cannot back out, and I must
see the project through.
 My partner’s involvement will affect my grade, because all project partners will
receive the same grade on all components of the project.
My partner’s name is:
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
My Signature
______________________
Date
Parental Agreement:
Having discussed the above requirements with my child, I support his/her decision to
complete the Molecule Models project in partnership with the classmate named above.
________________________________________
My Parent’s Signature
______________________
Date
***This is due back no later than Tuesday, May 21, 2013***
Rubric for grading
Follows
Project Rules
Student follows all
Project Rules;
completes 3 ionic
compounds and 3
molecular
compounds, and a
key that lists all of
the atoms and bonds
used
25 pts
Student follows
most of the Project
Rules, completes 3
ionic compounds
and 3 molecular
compounds, and a
key that lists all of
the atoms used
19 pts
Student follows some
of the Project Rules,
completes less than 3
ionic compounds
and/or less than 3
molecular compounds,
and a key that lists all
of the atoms used
13 pts
Student did not follow
many of the Project
Rules, completes less
than 3 ionic
compounds and less
than 3 molecular
compounds, and a key
that lists all of the
atoms used
7 pts
Appearance/
Creativity
Models look very
neat and
professional; student
use of materials is
extraordinarily
creative. 25 pts
Models look neat
and professional;
student use of
materials is
creative.
19 pts
Models look
somewhat neat and
professional.
13 pts
Models do not look
neat or professional;
student use of
materials is not very
creative.
7 pts
Models
All models
accurately depict the
correct compound
(correct atoms,
number of atoms,
and type of bond).
Models are correctly
labeled with their
name and formula,
and in the correct
grouping as ionic or
molecular.
50 pts
Most models
accurately depict the
correct compound
(correct atoms,
number of atoms,
and type of bond).
Models are correctly
labeled with their
name and formula,
and in the correct
grouping as ionic or
molecular
34 pts
Some models
accurately depict the
correct compound
(correct atoms,
number of atoms, and
type of bond) OR
models are not
correctly labeled with
their name and
formula, and in the
correct grouping as
ionic or molecular
18 pts
Most models do not
accurately depict the
correct compound
(correct atoms,
number of atoms, and
type of bond)
AND/OR models are
not correctly labeled
with their name and
formula, and in the
correct grouping as
ionic or molecular
7 pts
Final Grade_____________________________