Molecular Models

Abstract

This is a Learning Cycle POGIL designed to introduce chemistry students to visual representations of molecules. It requires access to  2D and 3D modeling kits. (A complete kit is available from Flinn AP4542, but 2D kits can be easily hand made and there are plenty of different inexpensive 3D kits around) . Students need to be familiar with writing names and formulas for binary compounds, and know the terms "molecular formula", "structural formula" and "molecular model". They will learn how to represent compounds with two-dimensional and three-dimensional models and how to draw structural formulas from these models. They will be asked to compare the limitations and uses of different types of representations.  This POGIL is designed to provide students a visual anchor for formulas like "H₂O" without knowledge of chemical bonding.

Level: High School
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Chemistry
Course: chemistry
Keywords: model kit, 2D, 3D, molecular formula, structural formula, molecular model, visual representation