Paper atomic models

One of most difficult things for beginning chemistry students to understand is the difference between polar and covalent bonds, and overall molecular polarity. It is such an important concep... See More

One of most difficult things for beginning chemistry students to understand is the difference between polar and covalent bonds, and overall molecular polarity. It is such an important concept for the existence of life, but yet most students have such a tough time understanding why water is the universal solvent. This activity helps students understand hydrogen bonding. Students develop models to explain how molecules arrange themselves relative to other water molecules and ions. It does a nice job of explaining a lot of vocabulary, and also discusses the importance of hydrogen bonding in solids and liquids. I would prefer to see 3D models, but the cost of the models to produce a solid matrix is often prohibitive. The lesson could be done using ball and stick models, and is in fact, an extension of this activity.