Introduction to Molecular Modeling for K-12 students- A STEM Activity

Part III: Activity Sheet for Introduction to Molecular Modeling

Print out this activity sheet. Each group (two students) must complete and hand in the sheet at the end of the class.

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Class __________

How are molecular models similar to other types of models (for example weather models)? _____________________________________________________________________________________
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How are molecular models different from other models?
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Why does molecular modeling give more information than molecules shown in textbooks?
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What is a chemical formula? _______________________________________________________________
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What is the chemical formula for water? __________

What is the chemical formula for ethane? ____________ ethanol? ____________

What are the four ways molecules can be displayed using molecular modeling software? Give an advantage and
disadvantage for each display type. __________________________________________________________
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Name two hydrocarbons. Tell what is they have in common and what makes them different.
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How many atom types does aspirin have? How would you write the chemical formula for aspirin.

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Why does ice float?
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What is the reason that ice is less dense than water?
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Both diamond and graphite are made only from carbon. Why then is graphite slippery and diamond so hard?

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Explain why salt and calcite are crystal lattices? Describe the pattern in salt. Describe the pattern in calcite.

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