Summer Camp: Hands-On Molecule Building! (STEM / STEAM)

This 4-session chemistry-themed camp (meeting daily, Monday-Thursday for 1 week) guides students, step-by-step, through the hands-on process of buildilng molecular models made with a high school-level chemistry modeling kit! Molecule models are like Legos for chemistry. Building 3-dimensional molecule models is an engaging and fun way to convey molecular bonding concepts, while helping students easily visualize molecule structure. We'll discuss the physical and chemical properties of each molecule built, and discuss conditions for molecule formation. We'll also use the 3D models to study bond angles, symmetry and polarity. 

The course is designed for students ages 8-12, since this age group will have enough "finger strength" and fine motor skills to build the models (equivalent to putting together and pulling apart Legos). It may take some practice and extra effort at first, and we'll patiently guide students through the building process. Younger students may enroll if they have the assistance of a parent (as needed). We will also include more advanced molecules for the older students who may be interested in additional challenge. 

The course uses the kit listed below:
Organic Chemistry Modeling Kit (Old Nobby brand, 239 pieces, available on Amazon for around $25):
Please search on Amazon for "Old Nobby Organic Chemistry Kit" to find this kit. It is recommended to purchase this specific kit, so that students can easily follow along with the instructor. However, if the student already has a similar molecule model kit, it may be used instead. 

Session Overview:
Session 1
In the first session, we will unbox our molecule building kits together and learn about the different parts of the kit. We'll introduce building molecules with Hydrogen, Oxygen and Carbon, focusing on building 2-atom and 3-atom molecules with these elements. We'll discuss the chemical and physical characteristics of each of the molecules built and learn how to research molecules using the online resource ptable.com (an interactive Periodic Table of Elements).  

Session 2
In the second session, we'll build more molecules with Hydrogen, Oxygen and Carbon, focusing on double covalent bonds including Carbon Dioxide and Ethene. We'll discuss the difference between Ethane and Ethene and learn about the process of polymerization and formation of Polyethylene, the most commonly produced plastic.

Session 3
In Session 3, we'll discuss how atoms can combine with the same atom in different ways and form structures called allotropes. We’ll focus on the atom of Carbon and build three of its allotropes. We will also add the atoms Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine and Iodine.

Session 4
In Session 4, we'll continue building more complex models with Boron, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur. These are atoms that start to move away from the patterns that we learnt about in Sessions 1 -3 and we learn about some of the exceptions that occur in molecular formations. The course ends with suggestions and pathways for further chemistry exploration.