How to make a model of a molecule from plasticine?

Chemistry, presented in boring scientific language, is unlikely to interest a student. But if you connect visual aids, learning will go more fun. It is even more interesting to make a layout with your own hands. In this article, we will tell you how you can make a model of a molecule using plasticine. For an informative lesson, the structure of any molecule is suitable: iron, alcohol, carbon dioxide. Let's dwell on several options in more detail. The models of the rest of the substances will be carried out according to the same rules: we sculpt atoms from plasticine, and for structural bonds we use toothpicks or matches.

Before starting a modeling lesson, and at the same time chemistry, you need to prepare the following materials:

• plasticine of several shades;
• toothpicks or matches;
• a board or oilcloth for working with plasticine;
• molecular formulas taken from the Internet or a chemistry textbook.

When everything is ready, you can start making a molecular model of any substance.

It is better to immediately sculpt a model of a molecule of a specific substance according to the scheme than to start explaining about micro-objects of abstract products. First, let's talk about the structural bonds of elements using the example of different substances: methane, ethane, ethylene, methylene.

First, let's take as a basis a simple molecule of natural gas methane, it has the formula CH4. To make the corresponding model, roll four small balls out of blue plasticine: they will represent hydrogen. Then prepare a red ball, several times larger than the blue ones, - carbon. Make structural bonds with matches, adding hydrogen to carbon 4. The result is the simplest model of a methane molecule.

The organic compound of ethane C2H6 in the schematic version looks more complicated than methane, but structurally the model is made of the same plasticine parts and matches, so it will not be difficult to make it.

Remove one match with the blue element from the methane sculpture. This leaves carbon with two hydrogen bonds. For the formation of ethane, we need two such sets. By tying them together with an additional match, we get an ethane compound.

To model ethylene, we make a double bond structure. To do this, remove one match with blue elements from the ethane design from each red ball and add another connecting match between the carbon balls. Here's what we got.

Now, using the example of methylene (CH2), we will learn how to make a chain of bonds. To do this, roll 3 balls of the same size: one red (carbon) and 2 blue (hydrogen).

We compose a methylene molecule with a double bond, assembling a chain according to the following scheme: hydrogen-carbon-hydrogen, that is, we connect the blue ball with two matches with a red one and again with two matches with a blue ball. We line all the elements in one line.

For cognitive purposes, we propose to collect a number of molecules of different chemicals.

This gas belongs to compounds containing 3 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms (C3P8). For a spatial model, you need to make 3 large red balls and 8 small blue peas from plasticine. We need 10 matches as connecting ties. The assembly of the propane molecule model is carried out in the following way.

1. We attach 3 blue peas to one of the red balls using matches.
2. We duplicate the construction, since we need two identical options.
3. To the remaining third red ball, add two blue peas attached to matches.
4. Now we connect all three parts together. In the center there should be a carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms, and along the edges, each carbon should have 3 hydrogen atoms.

It is an inorganic binary compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3). Ammonia is a colorless gas that is easily recognizable by its characteristic odor. In previous models, we used blue plasticine to sculpt the hydrogen atom, and red for carbon. When modeling the ammonia molecule, also use blue for the three hydrogen atoms, that is, blind 3 blue balls.

For nitrogen, choose a different color such as yellow. You will need one ball of this shade. Now, with the help of matches, attach 3 hydrogen (blue balls) to the nitrogen (yellow ball). The ammonia model is ready.

This halogen is widespread in the surrounding world. The molecular structure of the gas is extremely simple, it contains only two atoms (Cl2). Chlorine is heavier than air, has a greenish-yellow tint and a toxic, pungent odor.

It is not difficult to depict its molecules. You need to sculpt two green balls from plasticine and connect them with one match. An even easier way is to attach two balls sideways to each other without using matches or toothpicks.

A complex substance found in nature in different variants, for example, sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium sulfate (CaSo4). NaCl is also called table salt, each of us is familiar with it, since it is food grade.

To make a compound of table salt, we make two balls: small green (chlorine) and large brown (sodium). To make them a single molecule, it is enough to press the balls together, but you can also use a match, symbolizing the connecting bonds.

Modern parents know how to develop their children even without advice, but we will nevertheless voice a few recommendations.

If you want to convey complex information to the student, find non-standard ways of presenting it. In our case, chemistry is taught through 3D modeling. The helpful points are as follows.

• Children learn new knowledge.
• The method of obtaining information is accompanied by the creative process of sculpting volumetric figures. It captivates and enables the student to become interested in such a complex subject as chemistry.
• Working with plasticine develops hand motor skills, so it is useful for mental activity and creativity.
• Sculpting helps in the development of useful qualities such as imagination, perseverance and concentration.

Start learning with simple but real-life molecular models. The child should immediately feel involved in real science.

We make a model of a water molecule from plasticine further.