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.
