Christine Valvo

Duration: 50 min

Lesson Title: Molecularium: Building atoms, molecules, and compounds.

Lesson Components Description
Virginia Standards 5.4 The student will investigate and understand that matter is anything that has mass and
of Learning (VSOL) takes up space; and occurs as a solid, liquid, or gas. Key concepts include
c) atoms and elements;
d) molecules and compounds; and
Objective
Students will work in small groups to complete a variety of activities to demonstrate
their understanding of atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds.
Hook: Building an atom
After viewing and discussing an animation of an atom, students will be able to build a
accurate 3D model of an atom.
Station 1: Identify the compound
Students will understand that a compound is made up of two or more different
elements.
Students will be able to use a key to identify the types of compounds that are
modeled.
Station 2: Build and create your own compound
Students will be able to build and create an original compounds using any materials
of choice.
Students will be able to name this compound, describe its use and where it can be
found or manufactured.
Station 3: Periodic table of elements
Students will be able to select an element, identify the atomic mass and atomic
number to calculate the number of neutrons in the element.

Essential Questions
What is an atom? Smallest particle of matter
What is the structure of an atom? Where can protons, neutrons, and electrons be
found in an atom?
What is an element? Pure form of an atom. Ex: Oxygen, Hydrogen, Aluminum, Gold
What is a molecule? Two or more elements. The smallest part of a compound Ex:
H2O, CO, O2, H2
What is a compound? Formed when two or more different elements join together.
Materials
Hook: Building an atom
Computer with internet access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIiNRZDFqB8
Equipment/
Glue
Preparation
Pompoms
Pipe Cleaners
Beads
Plastic baggies, snack size
Prep each baggie with 4 beads, 1 pipe cleaner, 2 protons of one pom pom color, and 2
neutrons a different pom pom color

Christine Valvo
Duration: 50 min

Materials/
Equipment/
Preparation

Technology

Procedures

Station 1: Identify the compound

Small balloons filled with air
Key to figure out what color corresponds to each element
Attached worksheet to record answers
Prep: 3 different compounds: H2O, CO2, NaCl
Station 2: Build and Create your own compound
Gumdrops
Marshmallows
Legos
Toothpicks
Pompoms
Glue
Construction paper
Attached worksheet to record answers
Station 3: Periodic table of elements
Poster with step by step instructions on how to calculate the number of neutrons in
the element
One example for students to follow
Periodic table of elements
Attached worksheet to record answers
1. Using the class blog, students will share the new compound they created. Each
student will be required to respond and comment to at least one other post.
2. In their blog post, the student will include the following:
-Image of compound (if possible)
-Name of compound
-What does this compound do? What is its use?
-Where can this be found? How can we harvest it?
-Is it cost effective? Does it make sense to use this compound in everyday life?
Hook: Building an atom
Duration: 9:05 - 9:15
Quick review: What do you know about atoms? Fill in and glue flow chart in journals.
-Matter is made up of atoms.
-Atoms are the smallest part of an element.
-Atoms are made up of protons (+), neutrons (no), and electrons (-).
Show online animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIiNRZDFqB8
-Protons and neutrons can be found the the nucleus.
-Electrons can be found orbiting the nucleus in the electron cloud.
Pass out plastic baggies with atom contents (5 min)
-Have students remove the key (below) and work individually to create their 3D atom
model.
-Teachers will walk throughout the classroom monitoring students while they work.
-Discuss results (2 min).
Explain the stations and split students into 6 groups (listed below). (3 min)

Christine Valvo
Duration: 50 min

Procedures
continued

9:25 - 9:35
First station rotation.
Directions for station 1: Identify the compound.
-Use the key to name the three compounds.
-Record on the worksheet
9:35 - 9:45
Second station rotation
Directions for station 2: Build and create your own compound.
-Compounds are made up of two or more elements. Select 2 or more elements from the
periodic table.
-Build your compound using any of the materials available.
-On a note card, create a key to identify the parts and name your compound
CORRECTLY.
-Place your compound on the table next to your key. Take one photo.
9:45 - 9:55
Third station rotation
Directions for station 3: Periodic table of elements
-Follow the instructions on the poster to complete the worksheet.
Students will be assessed through informal observation during whole group
instruction, individual work, and group work.
Student worksheets will be assessed to identify areas in need of intervention.
Students blog posts will be assesses using the attached rubric.

Assessment/
Monitoring

Building an atom key:

Key

Color/item

Proton

Red colored pompom

Neutron

White colored pompom

Electron

Green bead

Electron Cloud

pipe cleaner

Groups for stations: