Chemistry is a powerful subject that allows us to understand the world at a molecular level. The knowledge of chemistry substances and equations enables us to comprehend and appreciate the processes that make up everything from our own bodies to the entire universe. One of the most fundamental concepts in chemistry is the molecule, and teaching students about these microscopic building blocks of matter is essential in helping them appreciate the usefulness of chemistry.
A molecule is the smallest entity of a chemical substance that still has all of its unique chemical properties. A molecule can either be made up of the atoms of a single element (like O2) or can be composed of a combination of different elements (like H2O). Teaching students about the chemical composition of molecules will help them identify and understand the different properties of materials that surround them.
The first step in teaching students about molecules is to explain the concept of atoms. In order to understand the mechanics of a molecule, one must first understand the role that atoms play in its formation. For this, an introduction to the periodic table is helpful, as well as a discussion on atomic structure.
Next, students should learn how molecules are formed through chemical bonding. Chemical bonds occur when atoms share electrons with one another, completing each other’s electron shells. This bonding is what creates the stable, reliable structure of a molecule.
Types of bonds – ionic, covalent and hydrogen – should be explained to the students along with examples of where these types of bonds are found in everyday life. For instance, Ionic bonds are present in table salt (NaCl), while Covalent bonds are found in oxygen (O2). Hydrogen bonds, commonly found in water (H2O), are much weaker than the other two types of bonds, yet significant in the molecule formation.
Once the students are familiar with the concept of molecule formation, teachers can move on to the manipulation of molecular substances. Being able to read and write chemical formulas is vital to understanding the chemical composition of complex materials, such as vitamins or plastics. The periodic table is again a valuable tool here, as is a familiarity with the rules for naming and abbreviating molecules. Teachers can also supplement this with interactive models of atoms and molecules to better grasp molecular structures.
Modeling molecular structures provides an opportunity for students to better understand how the properties of a material can be understood by examining its molecular structure. For instance, the shape of a molecule can determine the chemical and physical reactions that occur between molecules. Teaching students the relationship between molecular structures and their properties is an essential part of developing their scientific literacy.
