Physical Science Activities
Physical science activities creating molecules
Creating molecules using clay
In these physical science activities you will create molecules from clay. Atoms are combined to form molecules. You will use toothpicks to hold the atoms together as they form different molecules. The molecules you will create are chlorine gas, magnesium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
Materials
- Yellow clay
- Green clay
- Orange clay
- Red clay
- Toothpicks
Directions
- Chlorine molecule - two green balls of clay
- Join the two green balls of clay together with a toothpick.
- Chlorine gas is green and used to purify drinking water. It is also used in the manufacture of pesticides, plastic and synthetic rubber.
- Magnesium Chloride molecule - one large orange ball and two green balls of clay.
- Attach the large orange ball (magnesium atom) to one of the green (chlorine atom) balls with a toothpick.
- Lay the molecule on the table and add the second green ball on the opposite side of the orange ball.
- Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring mineral found in the ocean, Great Salt Lake and other bodies of salt water.
- It is used to melt ice on roads and sidewalks. It is also used on meats for flavoring.
- Hydrogen Peroxide - two small yellow balls and two medium size red balls of clay.
- Connect a yellow ball (hydrogen atom) to a red ball (oxygen atom).
- Repeat this step so you have two yellow balls attached to two red balls.
- Place the four balls on the table so the oxygen atoms can be attached and the hydrogen atoms point in opposite directions.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid that is used to bleach cotton fabrics. It is also used for rocket fuel.
- Water molecule - Two small yellow balls (hydrogen atoms) and one medium size red ball (oxygen atom)
- Connect the two small yellow balls to the red ball at about they are about 100 degrees apart and the molecule resembles a Mickey Mouse hat.
- Water is a universal solvent and dissolves most molecules. Molecules like oil are repelled by the molecule.
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Science Activities Fun and easy activities that demonstrating science concepts can be found on this page
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