Building Blocks of Life: Molecular Models Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we model the structure of different molecules based on the properties of their constituent atoms and the types of bonds they form, and how do these structural differences lead to variations in molecular properties?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do the properties of atoms determine the structure of molecules?
- How do different arrangements of atoms affect the properties of molecules?
- What are the different types of chemical bonds and how do they influence molecular structure?
- How can we use models to represent and understand the structure of molecules?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to describe the structure of an atom.
- Students will be able to describe the different types of chemical bonds.
- Students will be able to build models of molecules.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Element Challenge
Students receive sealed envelopes containing clues about a mystery element (atomic number, properties, uses). They must collaborate, research, and use their initial understanding of atomic structure to identify their element and predict its bonding behavior, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for deeper learning about molecules.The Case of the Unstable Molecule
A simulated 'crime scene' is set up where a once-stable molecule has mysteriously broken apart. Students act as forensic scientists, using their knowledge of atomic structure and bonding to analyze the evidence (spectroscopy data, leftover 'molecular fragments') and determine what caused the instability. This introduces them to real-world applications and problem-solving.Elemental Art Auction
Each student receives an 'element card' with information about its properties and uses. They then create a piece of art (digital or physical) that represents their element's characteristics, and participate in an auction where they must 'sell' their element to the class, highlighting its importance in forming molecules and compounds. This combines creativity with scientific understanding.Building Block Brainstorm
Present students with a collection of everyday objects (food, plastic, medicine) and challenge them to brainstorm what smaller 'building blocks' (atoms and molecules) make up these objects. This activity will encourage students to think about the connection between the macroscopic world and the microscopic world of atoms and molecules.Create a Compound Commercial
Divide the class into teams, and each team will be assigned a common chemical compound (e.g., water, carbon dioxide, sodium chloride). The teams then develop a short commercial that highlights the compound's structure, properties, and uses in a creative and engaging way. This promotes both understanding and communication skills.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Atomic Structure Blueprint
Students will create a detailed diagram of an atom, labeling all subatomic particles and their charges. This activity reinforces understanding of atomic components and their arrangement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA labeled atomic diagram with an explanation of each component.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to describe the structure of an atom.Bonding Types Exploration
Students will investigate different types of chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, metallic) and create a presentation explaining their formation and characteristics.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation explaining the formation and characteristics of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to describe the different types of chemical bonds.Molecular Model Construction
Students will use various materials (e.g., modeling clay, marshmallows and toothpicks, or digital software) to build 3D models of different molecules, demonstrating their understanding of molecular structure.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activity3D models of molecules with accompanying descriptions of their structure and properties.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to build models of molecules.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAtomic Structure and Molecular Modeling Portfolio Rubric
Atomic Structure Diagram
Accuracy and completeness of the atomic diagram, including correct labeling of subatomic particles and their charges, and explanation of their roles.Diagram Accuracy
Correctness of the diagram in representing the arrangement and properties of subatomic particles.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe diagram accurately depicts the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons, with precise labels and charges. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of atomic number and mass.
Proficient
3 PointsThe diagram is mostly accurate with minor errors in labeling or representation. Shows a clear understanding of the basic atomic structure.
Developing
2 PointsThe diagram contains several inaccuracies or omissions in the representation of subatomic particles. Shows a basic understanding of atomic components.
Beginning
1 PointsThe diagram is incomplete or contains significant errors in representing atomic structure. Shows limited understanding of atomic components.
Explanation Quality
Clarity and depth of the explanation regarding the roles of subatomic particles.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation thoroughly describes the roles of protons, neutrons, and electrons in determining atomic properties and stability, with insightful connections to real-world phenomena.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation clearly describes the roles of protons, neutrons, and electrons, with a good understanding of their contribution to atomic properties.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation partially describes the roles of subatomic particles, with some confusion or omission of key details.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation is incomplete or unclear, showing a limited understanding of the roles of subatomic particles.
Chemical Bonding Presentation
Accuracy and clarity in explaining ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, including relevant examples and comparisons.Bond Explanation
How well the presentation explains the formation and characteristics of each type of bond.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation provides a comprehensive and insightful explanation of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, including electron transfer/sharing/delocalization mechanisms.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation clearly explains the formation and characteristics of each type of bond with accurate details and relevant examples.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation partially explains the different types of bonds, but may lack detail or contain minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is incomplete or unclear, showing a limited understanding of the different types of bonds.
Examples and Comparison
Appropriateness and clarity of examples used, and the effectiveness of the comparison between different bond types.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation provides excellent examples of compounds formed by each type of bond and offers a sophisticated comparison of their properties and applications.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation includes relevant examples and effectively compares and contrasts the different types of bonds, highlighting key differences.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation includes some examples but the comparison between bond types is superficial or lacks clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation lacks relevant examples or a clear comparison of the different types of bonds.
Molecular Model Construction
Accuracy and clarity in constructing 3D models of molecules, with accompanying descriptions of structure and properties.Model Accuracy
Correctness of the molecular models in representing the arrangement of atoms and bonds.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe models accurately represent the 3D structure of the molecules, including bond angles and spatial arrangement, demonstrating a deep understanding of VSEPR theory.
Proficient
3 PointsThe models are generally accurate with minor errors in representing the arrangement of atoms and bonds.
Developing
2 PointsThe models contain several inaccuracies or omissions in representing molecular structure.
Beginning
1 PointsThe models are incomplete or contain significant errors in representing molecular structure.
Structure Description
Quality and depth of the description of each molecule's structure and properties.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe description provides a thorough and insightful analysis of each molecule's structure and properties, including polarity, intermolecular forces, and related macroscopic properties.
Proficient
3 PointsThe description accurately describes each molecule's structure and properties, linking structure to properties effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe description partially explains the relationship between molecular structure and properties, with some confusion or omission of key details.
Beginning
1 PointsThe description is incomplete or unclear, showing a limited understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and properties.