Molecule Building Lab

Added by Purnima Cheruvu on January 23, 2020

Molecule building lab allows students to apply octet rule in their effort to build molecules. Students first build Lewis models of their atoms and then bring the atoms together by sharing electrons to create molecules. The Lewis models of atoms are based on Lewis dot diagrams. These molecules are synthesized using marshmallows and skewers. In addition, students draw structures of molecules (just as it looks) and determine chemical formula as well as chemical name. As an extension, they are asked to translate their diagrams into Lewis structures of molecules.

Molecules

Molecules

Attachments

Purnima Cheruvu

Purnima Cheruvu

Cleveland School of the Arts
10–11th Grade
Purnima Jaiswal Cheruvu currently teaches chemistry at Cleveland School of the Arts. She earned a Doctorate of Life Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Master of Biochemistry from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in India. In 2006, she joined Case Western Reserve University to pursue research on yeast zygote formation and Huntington's disease. Her passion towards teaching led her to obtain licensure in high school teaching in 2013. Purnima thoroughly enjoys engaging young people in matters of science and believes that every student has a potential to learn and become successful despite their trying circumstances and limited resources. She partners with organizations and universities to provide real world experiential learning for her students. Purnima considers herself a life-long learner and aspires to help her students learn higher level science to become successful in college.

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