6th Grade Technology 5 E Lesson Plan

Valerie Barber

4/2/2018

A. Informational Components

Lesson Title: Molecule models

Grade Level: 6

State Standards Connection: Strand 6.2 Energy affects matter

Disciplinary Core Idea: Physical Science

Scientific and Engineering Practices: Develop and use models

Cross-cutting Concept: Scale, proportion and quantity

Grade 6 – Strand 6.2: Energy Affects Matter

Matter and energy are fundamental components of the universe. Matter is anything that has mass and
takes up space. Transfer of energy creates change in matter. Changes between general states of matter
can occur through the transfer of energy. Density describes how closely matter is packed together.
Substances with a higher density have more matter in a given space than substances with a lower
density. Changes in heat energy can alter the density of a material. Insulators resist the transfer of heat
energy, while conductors easily transfer heat energy. These differences in energy flow can be used to
design products to meet the needs of society.

6.2.1
Develop models to show that molecules are made of different kinds, proportions and quantities of
atoms. Emphasize understanding that there are differences between atoms and molecules, and that
certain combinations of atoms form specific molecules. Examples of simple molecules could include
water (H2O), atmospheric oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Specific Lesson Objective: Students will develop models using scale, proportion and quantity to discover
how atoms bond together to form molecules.

Vocabulary Focus: Atom, Molecule

Materials: Styrofoam balls (enough for 5/student), blue, red, green, black paint, paint brushes,
toothpicks

Anticipated Time Frame: 50 minutes

B. Instructional Procedures

Engage (10 minutes)– We will begin by talking about what students already know about atoms
and molecules. Then, we will watch a short video about how atoms bond to form molecules. After the
video, we will quickly summarize and emphasize that there are differences between atoms and
molecules. I will show the students a model of a very complex molecule that I have made with atoms
(Styrofoam balls).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOXxFaHbIXg

Teacher Role: Assess prior knowledge, provide information needed for Explore phase

Student Role: Calls up prior knowledge, has an interest

Explore (30 minutes) - Students will choose from a list of molecules to research online with their
tablets. Specifically, they will discover what combinations of atoms form the molecules they chose.
Then, they will choose their “atoms” (Styrofoam balls), bond them together with toothpicks, and paint
the balls the appropriate color to distinguish them from the other atoms in the molecule.

Teacher Role: Assesses processes and understandings, makes open suggestions

Student Role: Explores resources and materials

Explain (10 minutes) – We will come together as a group and discuss what we learned. I will ask
what makes molecules different from each other? What is the difference between atoms and
molecules? How big or small can molecules be?

Teacher Role: Asks for evidence and clarification from students, enhances or clarifies student
explanations

Student Role: Shares understandings for feedback, clarifies understandings discovered

Extend (10 minutes) – Students will write in their science journals “I noticed” and “I wonder”
statements about atoms and molecules.

Teacher Role: Asks questions

Student Role: Applies new knowledge by performing related tasks

Evaluate – I will assess students by evaluating their models and by listening to their discussions.

Teacher Role: Observe and assess students as they apply new concepts and skills

Student Role: Demonstrates an understanding of a skill or concept

Adaptations for ELLs, SPED, and GT students (early finishers): Students who finish early will have the
opportunity to research the makeup of a complex molecule of their choice. They can sketch and label a
model of this molecule. For students with disabilities and ELLs, I will provide written and concise
directions with examples of the requirements of the assignment and give one to the whole class.
10 things I learned about atoms and molecules:

1. Atoms bond together to form molecules

2. Everything is made up of atoms
3. Different quantities of atoms create different molecules
4. Different combinations of atoms create different molecules
5. H20 is an example of a simple molecule
6. Molecules can be made up of thousands of atoms
7. Molecules are solid, liquid or gas, depending on how tightly packed together they are.
8. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons and electrons.
9. Molecules can twist and bend
10. Molecules have 3-dimensional shapes

I was hesitant to create a lesson plan about atoms and molecules because I don’t remember
officially learning about them. I have seen them in intimidating textbooks which I thought I would never
need to read. Because they are so small, it is hard for me to conceptualize atoms and molecules. I know
that atoms are the building blocks to all matter, but it is hard to imagine this. I think this is a challenging
concept to teach. This is not a concept that students can easily experiment with and question; it is more
likely something they will have to learn about.

Even while I was researching content and writing this lesson plan, I thought about backing out and
choosing a different standard to write about. However, I feel like now I have a pretty good
understanding of atoms and molecules, and I feel that I could teach this lesson to 6th graders. It is a relief
to know that I have written a lesson plan for what I think is the most difficult standard in all of the core
curriculum!