Atoms and Matter (3-6)

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In this activity, learners build models of atoms and molecules, then consider their role in different phases of matter, density, and mixtures and solutions. The atomic models are made first from play dough, then from molecular model pieces. The phases of water are considered from a molecular point of view using a drawing. Oil and water are used to convey the relationship between mass and volume (density). Salt and pepper are used to show that some solids dissolve, and others don't. The activity is written to be part of a kit that can be checked out of the library, but the kit is not required.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 
bottle
 of
 pepper

  • 1 
bottle
 of
 vegetable 
oil

  • 1 
bottle 
of 
salt

  • 2
 tubs 
of 
play 
dough

  • 1
 molecular
 modeling 
kit 
(3 
red, 
2 
blue, 
4 
white 
pieces)

  • 1
 1/8
 teaspoon
  • 2
 plastic
 pipettes:
 1
 labeled 
oil,
 1 
labeled
 water
  • 1
 plastic
 test 
tube 
with
 cap
  • water

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Shaw, Maisie ; Gomez, Maria

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Passport to Chemistry Adventure Program, Mount Holyoke College, 2010

Funding Source:

  • Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.