Introduction
Use pipe cleaners and pom poms to make models of common molecules. Molecules are combinations of atoms which share electrons to form covalent chemical bonds. The compounds formed
have different properties than the atoms they are made from.
Materials
Pipecleaner and pom poms – Amazon – $11.98
Directions
• Balls represent atoms. In the diagrams below oxygen is red, hydrogen is white, carbon is gray, and nitrogen is blue.
• Colored Pom Poms are different kinds of atoms.
• Pipe cleaners represent bonds.
• Atoms have different numbers of bonds they can form.
• Twist the pipe cleaners around the pom poms to make models of these molecules.
• Variation: use marshmallows and toothpicks to make your models.
| Molecule | Formula | Ball and Stick View | Molecular View |
| Oxygen | O2 |  |
 |
| Water | H2O |  |
 |
| Carbon Dioxide | CO2 |  |
 |
| Methane | CH4 |  |
 |
| Ammonia | NH3 |  |
 |
| Graphite | C(n) |  |
 |
Pdf version of the lesson plan available here.