Molecules Matter

An inquiry lesson allowing students to explore the movement of water molecules and the attraction they have to each other.   The lesson is broken down using the 5 E instructional model and includes video clips and a student activity sheet. This website addresses the movement and arrangement of atoms in a liquid.  Students will see how water molecules are attracted, which will lead to later discusions of chemical bonding. Students discuss the meaning of “chemistry” and “matter”. Students investigate a drop of water hanging from a dropper and drops of water beading up on wax paper. They also look at a molecular animation that models the motion of water molecules. Students are introduced to the idea that matter is made up of extremely tiny particles that are attracted to one another.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objective

Students will describe their observations about water on the molecular level using the idea that water is composed of tiny molecules that are attracted to one another.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Extension:

  • Show a video so that students can see an example that water molecules are attracted to one another.
  • If you have time, give students the opportunity to play games with drops of water.

Helpful Hints

Materials for Each Group:

  • Water in small cup
  • Dropper
  • 2 popsicle sticks
  • Wax paper
  • 2 large index cards (5 × 8”)
  • Tape

Materials for the Demonstration:

  • Tall clear plastic cup
  • Water (room temperature)
  • White sheet of paper
  • Food coloring (red, blue, or green)

References

Contributors: