PhET
Molecule Shapes
The shape of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of atoms around the central atom and lone pairs of electrons. Scholars build models of molecules using single, double, and triple bonds. They can then see real molecules bond...
American Chemical Society
Temperature Changes in Dissolving
Alia-Seltzer tablets cause a very obvious chemical change, but do they also cause a temperature change? Each class member explores hot/cold packs, discussing how these temperature changes occur. Groups then design and carry out their own...
PhET
Molecule Shapes: Basics
In molecules, bonds rotate about the nucleus due to the repulsion of subatomic particles. In a simulation, learners manipulate the bonds of a molecule to meet the atoms' needs. They can then see the specific molecular shapes of five...
Rochester Institute of Technology
Molecules and Fuel Cell Technology
A fuel cell is where the jailer keeps gas guzzlers. Scholars review chemical reactions, chemical bonds, and chemical structure in order to apply these concepts. Participants construct fuel cell kits, using electrolysis to run the car and...
Curated OER
Chemistry Slide Collection
A huge slide show provides a review of almost every topic there is to cover in basic chemistry! Your young scientists will be interested to see each illustration and example given. The appearance of the 120 slides varies greatly, most...
Curated OER
Sorting Plastics For Recycling
First, young chemists practice polymer identification by density and flame tests. With the data collected, they propose a method of separating polyethylene from other plastics and determine what property makes it desirable for recycling....
Curated OER
The Periodic Table, Electrons, and Chemical Bonds
Four activities immerse beginning chemists into the world of elements. They examine the periodic table, use cobalt hydroxide to learn about chemical formulae and valence electrons. Also, they name binary compounds and examine the...
Curated OER
Science Puzzlers, Twisters, and Teasers: Chemical Bonding
What a cute approach to chemical bonding! Atoms all have human names and are attending at a dance. Who will pair up with whom? By reading the characteristics, and not the element name, chemistry whizzes figure out the bonding pairs....
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Utah Open Textbook: Chemistry
Technology can help save money and add convenience. The resource offers a free textbook for a complete Chemistry course. The text begins with a review of the scientific method and continues to explain topics such as chemical bonding,...
Biology Junction
Chemistry
You matter—unless you multiply yourself by the speed of light squared, then you energy! Scholars learn about matter, energy, the elements and so much more using an informative presentation. Completing the included worksheet creates a...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Small-Molecule Diversity
One way to study the microscopic is to make it macroscopic. Each slide of the lesson presentation presents a different molecular model along with a brief description of the compound's function. Learners use the information to build...
Cornell University
Atomic Bonding
Explore the connection of surface area to bonding within atoms. Learners complete lab investigations to model changing surface area with different sizes and concentrations of atoms. A flour fireball demonstration follows the labs to...
Kenan Fellows
What Element Would You Be?
Primo Levi wrote a collection of short stories comparing his life from Italy to Auschwitz to elements in the periodic table. Pupils read an excerpt from his book and research the characteristics of various elements. Then, they make a...
Chemistry Collective
Virtual Lab: DNA Binding Problem
Why do the bases in DNA pair up the way they do? Unravel the mystery of the double helix in a virtual lab. Young scientists follow in the footsteps of Watson and Crick to determine the free energy associated with DNA base pair binding....
Chemistry Collective
Virtual Lab: ATP Reaction (Thermochemistry and Bonding)
If you've ever felt a little drained ... try converting some ATP to ADP! Science scholars perform one of life's most important reactions using a simulated lab workbench. The fun-to-use interactive allows pupils to control the reactants...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Electronegativity Values
Finally, an electronegativity resource your class will be strangely drawn to! Skilled scientists manipulate interactive puzzles to gain an understanding of common electronegativity values. The great thing? You can conduct the lesson...
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Molecules to the Max!—Educators Resource Guide
From molecules to nanotubes, an engaging unit explores the world of tiny science. Fifteen hands-on experiments and lessons engage young scientists as they learn chemistry. Discussions, worksheets, and data analysis reinforce the concepts...
Cornell University
Radical Reactions
The radical reactions of polymers seems abstract to many pupils, but this lesson turns them into a fun building game. Scholars use dice and building pieces to build polymers. Then, they determine the theoretical and experimental weight...
Concord Consortium
Chain Reaction Between Hydrogen and Oxygen
Looking for a simple way to teach conservation of energy in chemical reactions? Pupils can observe energy changes as water forms during a chain reaction between oxygen and hydrogen using an interactive. The resource instructs users to...
Concord Consortium
Forming a Molecule
What does it look like when two atoms bond? Mol-e-COOL! Aspiring chemists observe the interaction between two atoms forming a bond in an easy-to-use interactive. Individuals move atoms closer together and observe changes in attraction...
Concord Consortium
Breaking a Molecular Bond
Breaking up is hard, especially with a third part involved! Watch as molecules of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen try to keep it together as a neutral third atom bombards them. Users control the reactive molecules and the velocity of the...
Concord Consortium
Energy of Bond Formation
Show your chemistry class that there's much more to covalent bonding than sharing electrons! Pupils manipulate atoms of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon to observe the energy of bond formation using a well-rounded interactive. The resource...
Concord Consortium
Reaction Between Hydrogen and Oxygen Molecules
When molecules of hydrogen and oxygen are combined, how does water form? Science scholars observe changes in kinetic and potential energy during a chemical reaction in an interactive. The resource features easy controls that allow users...
Concord Consortium
Stoichiometry and Balancing Equations
Is your stoichiometry lesson plan just not adding up? Incorporate an exciting interactive to balance things out! Chemistry scholars manipulate the number of molecules added to the reaction vessel, then observe as bonds form and break as...