Molecules are atoms that have joined together to form compounds that we recognize as everyday items such as water. Water molecules consist of hydrogen atoms that have joined with an oxygen atom. In science demonstrations, students represent molecules by materials such as foam balls and wooden dowels that they have joined together. They arrange these materials in particular ways to represent certain molecules. First, determine which molecule you want to model and how many different parts of the molecule you will need. For peroxide, you'll need two hydrogen balls and two oxygen balls. Molecules are all different; water molecules consist of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, while hydrogen peroxide consists of two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms.
- Foam balls
- Wooden dowels, 1/4in diameter
- Acrylic craft paint
- Paintbrush
- Craft glue
- Newspaper
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Instructions
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1
Paint your foam balls to represent the different atoms in the molecule. If you are modeling peroxide, paint two foam balls one color and two other balls a different color to represent the hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
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2
Let the first coat of paint dry, then repeat to give the balls even, solid colors. Paint your dowels a different color, as well. Let dry.
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3
Poke holes in the foam balls where you will be joining the atoms together using the end of a dowel.
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4
Remove the dowel and apply a liberal amount of craft glue to the end. Replace it in the foam ball. Repeat with the remaining balls and dowels.
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5
Wipe away any excess glue with a damp towel. Let dry. Paint over the glue if needed, once it's dry.