Molecular Geometry Aerobics

How to get students moving in structure and bonding

Bonnie BloomHilliard Davidson High School

Why bother?

• An interactive way of practicing Lewis Structures and molecular geometry

• A way to reinforce and assess student learning

• More fun than a worksheet or a quiz or even dry-erase boards

Correlations to Standards

• U. S. National Science Educational Standards– Grades 9-12 Content Standard B: Structure

and Properties of Matter

• Ohio Science Standards – Grades 11-12 Physical Sciences Benchmark

A—Nature of Matter

Students need to be able to draw Lewis Structures

Students work with molecular models

Molecular Geometry AerobicsStep 1—drawing the structure

If it is cold or rainy we stay inside

Step 2—become the molecule

C3H8

H2O

Are these molecules polar??

• Students have trouble thinking “three-dimensionally”

• Three-dimensional model is quick and easy to make

Tape and some string…

Moving into two dimensions…

What about this molecule?

And what about these molecules?

Now it is your turn…

• Necessary Equipment– Periodic tables– Sidewalk chalk or glass markers– Willing students– Tape and string

The basic shapes

• Linear Trigonal planar Tetrahedral

Thank you to

• The AP Chemistry classes of 2004-2005 for graciously re-enacting molecular shapes

• The person on the Chemistry or AP Chemistry listserve who provided the tape/string idea

• Marilyn Kuhlman for the cookie sheets and felt atoms

• Bonnie BloomHilliard Davidson High School5100 Davidson RoadHilliard OH 43026

bonnie_bloom@fclass.hilliard.k12.oh.us