Santa Monica College
Lewis Structures and Molecular Shapes
Learners practice drawing Lewis dot structures, build molecules with model kits, and predict molecular shapes using VSEPR theory. The combination of written work and hands-on reinforcement benefits young scientists.
Curated OER
VSEPR THEORY: BALLOONS AND MOLECULES
High schoolers listen to the teacher introduce VSEPR theory and explain molecular geometry. They use balloons to visualize the shape of orbitals. Students create visuals of molecular orbitals with strings and balloons.
Virginia Department of Education
Molecular Model Building
During this hands-on activity, young chemists build molecular models based on the Lewis dot structure before studying valence shell electron pair repulsion theory.
Curated OER
Investigating the Shapes of Covalent Molecules and Measuring their Respective Bond Lengths and Bond Angles
High schoolers will draw Lewis structures of common covalent compounds using a Chem 3D computer program. They will predict the shapes of the molecules, complete a data table, and formulate rules for predicting shapes of molecules. In the...
Curated OER
Molecular Modeling Activity
Students work together to explain the VSEPR theory and how it relates to molecules. They name electron pairs that can surround the central atom of an organism. They discuss the factors that determine the polarity of a molecule as well.
Curated OER
Pauli's Magical Water
Students predict the shape of molecules using VSEPR theory. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate a polar and nonpolar molecule. They discuss why water's polarity is very important.
Curated OER
Bhopal - Covalent Bonding
Using the chemicals that leaked in the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984, chemists examine covalent bonds. Provide for them the chemical reactions and have them draw Lewis diagrams for the molecules involved. That's about all there is to the...