Have you ever had students model molecules using gum drops and toothpicks? I have not done this and need a little guidance from someone who has. I've searched the Internet but have not come up with anything like a lesson plan or guide.

Which molecules did you model, did you use gum drops or clay, how do you attach the atoms to each other. I need help!

[jsfowler]

I did this and my students loved it...however, I used jelly beans instead of gumdrops. It was easy to do and the kids really walked away with a greater understanding of molecules and bonding. This activity was listed under candy compounds. The student handout is great!!

sciencespot.net/Media/candycompounds.pdf

[SanDiego3rd]

colored marshmallows! It was very fun. They glued the models to a paper plate and labled each one.

JS and San Diego...thank you so much.

JS, my kids are only 3rd grade, and our standards don't get into type of bond or dot structure, but I can probably work something up from the linked material you sent. Did you attach with toothpicks? Did the kids take their models, or was it just a classroom activity?

I'll also check out sciencespot.net.

San Diego, did you attach with toothpicks, or just glue them on the plate as is? What molecules did you model? Any further detail will be welcomed by me as my students are 3rd grade also. I feel a bit over my head on this.

Thanks again to you both for your replies.