Childrens Science Experiments - Building Molecular Models

Materials and their Properties

Builing Molecules

Materials you will need:

• Toothpicks, matchsticks or skewer sticks
• Modelling Clay, Play Dough or Styrofoam Balls
• Glue (optional)

Making Your Own Molecular Models

Steps:

1.) If you are using modelling clay or play dough; roll out several balls using your hands.

2.) Stick a matchstick, toothpick or skewer stick (whichever you are using) (note: if you are using skewer sticks they will need to be cut down to size) into one ball and then push another ball onto the other end of the matchstick and continue building from here.

3.) Once you have made all the holes needed in the balls remove the sticks and add a bit of glue to the ends of your sticks as you rebuild your model and allow the glue to dry (this is if you are going to use glue to help hold your structure together for longer).

Note: If time allows you might want to roll out the number of balls from modelling clay needed and then insert the sticks where you want them to be, then remove all the sticks and allow the modelling clay to dry for a few days before making your model. The holes should shrink a bit to make the fit tighter when you insert the sticks for building.

Kids Science Experiments - Building Molecular Models