Technology/system requirements: Laptops, Projector, Internet access, video, speakers connected to laptop to project sound from video

Material Requirements:

  • Academic Vocabulary
  • Worksheet: Use the student worksheet to tally the number of times they heard the vocabulary words and provide specific examples from the YouTube video.
  • Simulation Worksheet: Use the student worksheet to illustrate the structure of each common chemical.

Link:

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.

Pre-Activities and Concepts:

Teachers should complete the “Teacher Practice Activity” prior to beginning these lessons.)

Lesson Elements Guide for Teacher

Engage: / Teacher will activate prior knowledge by introducing a video on ionic and covalent bonding. Students will watch an 8 minutevideo and record the tallies of how often they see or hear the Academic Vocabulary Worksheet. 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:


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.
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.
Extend: / Students could use manipulative materials provided by the classroom teacher to build a molecular model.

iQUEST Lesson Project Award Number: 0833753 Chemical Models