Primary Grade Experiment (for kinesthetic learners)
Atoms and Molecules
Our bodies are made of tiny building blocks called atoms. Atoms join together to make molecules. Chemical bonds join atoms and molecules together.
Atom Molecule with Chemical Bonds
Materials:
Students
Directions:
1) Have students to stand together in threes with their hands down by their sides (representing three atoms).
2) Have students hold each other's hands (representing molecules).
3) Explain to the students when they are standing independently they are atoms, but when they join hands they become a molecule. When their hands are together, they work like a chemical bond joining the atoms and molecules together.
4) Stress the idea or re-state that atoms are the tiniest building blocks and they join together to make molecules.
* It may be necessary to mention that all these particles can only be seen under a microscope which is a scientific tool that makes small objects larger under a lens.
Alternative Experiment
Materials:
Lego blocks
Directions:
1) Pass out fully connected strands of Lego blocks to each student.
2) If you have introduced the lesson, ask the students what the connected strands of Lego blocks represent. Are they atoms or molecules?
3) Have the students disconnect the blocks, ask the students what the individual blocks represent. Are they atoms or molecules?