Building Molecules From Atoms

In January and February students have been learning about topics in the physical sciences.  The study of matter and energy was addressed with the introduction of the Periodic Table of Elements, atoms and molecules. 

Since atoms and molecules are too small to be seen with or without a microscope, and too small to manipulate, students have been building simulated models of these concepts to help with their understanding.  Once the molecules were built, students could view them with a 3D rotating image to get an idea of perspective.

 PHET simulations have been developed at the University of Colorado in Boulder.  They cover many topics, but the two model simulations the sixth graders have been working with this month compare atoms to molecules.