We have been learning about molecules and compounds in our Matter Unit. We developed a graphic organizer to compare and contrast how molecules and compounds are similar and how they are different to incorporate ELA standards. The Science lesson itself focused on Next Generation Science Standards where students are encouraged to build models to represent what they are learning about.
We built three-dimensional models of various molecules and compounds after developing a color-coded key for our gumdrops to represent the various elements such as Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Carbon. They built a water model, a model representing air, one for Carbon Dioxide, and a larger one for Acetic Acid (vinegar). As a group they have been analyzing the Periodic Table of Elements in class and this project was a fun way for them to put all of this information together showing their knowledge of the material by building models. You can tell from their smiles this was an invaluable learning experience!
On a side note - when I went to the store to buy the gumdrops for this project, one of my former fifth-grade students (who recently graduated) was working there. I asked her for help finding where the gumdrops were in the store and she responded "Are you building the molecules and compounds with gumdrops, Mrs. Bishop.?" She remembered doing that in my class all of those years ago! Priceless! That is the power of teaching!
