Molecular Architectures

Chemistry – 9-12

You have taught parts of an atom. You have explored the periodic table. You have built atom structures on a Bohr Board. You have explored elements and compounds in real life. Now the children really need their hands on a 3D representation of their learning due to the level of abstraction of such lessons.

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The materials I am presenting you are simple: a molecules kit combined with a gorgeous book on “Molecules” , and a set of simple molecules cards. The latter set comes with three-part cards, perfect for a Montessori environment.

Building molecules is not only for older children. I have seen the children using dexterity and concentration on a superior level. We extended our learning by reading together “Molecules” about different molecules for “sugar” (of course).

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The set of molecules cards comes with 30 cards:

• 11 simple molecules cards (2-3 atoms)
• 13 molecules cards (5-10 atoms)
• 6 complex molecules (fructose, vanillin, vitamin C, glycerol, etc…)

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Finally, if your learners are still excited about molecules, you can find this memory game on Amazon. The molecules represented are from basic to extremely complex, so I can’t guarantee the learning outcome! However, children can be amazing.

When did you introduce molecules? What recommendations do you have for our readers?