Have you ever wondered what things are made of? In the world around us we see things like wood, metal, and plastic, but what actually makes these materials different from each other? The answer is that they are made of different molecules. In Molecules Are Everywhere! kids will learn that small things called atoms are the building blocks of molecules. Atoms often have lonely electrons that want to pair with lonely electrons in other atoms, and when this happens, atoms can come together to make molecules! Molecules Are Everywhere! will introduce you to Ellie the Electron and her cousin, Sam, who will help you explore the world of covalent bonding and show you how to make your own molecules.

Mini-course is provided as a 31-page PDF including a separate Science Tool Kit PDF to collect your badges.

Prefer a printed mini-course? Molecules Are Everywhere! is also available as a beautiful workbook here on Amazon.com.

Course Contents

Story: Ellie the Electron Finds a Friend. Join Ellie and her hydrogen atom as they look for other lonely electrons and introduce you to the concept of covalent bonding.
Activity 1: Make a Molecule! Cut out atoms and make your own molecules using the guide provided.
Activity 2: Be a Molecule with Your Friends. Now it’s time to BE part of a molecule yourself. Grab some friends or stuffed animals and get ready to bond!
Activity 3: Electron Match Card Game. Cut out the playing cards and see who can get the most points by pairing lonely electrons and making molecules.
Activity 4: Let’s Experiment! Make New Molecules. Use some easy-to-find ingredients to perform a chemical reaction in your kitchen. Learn how atoms can rearrange to form new molecules!
Curiosity Connector. Delve deeper into the world of chemistry and molecules with some online resources.
Tools for Your Tool Kit. See if you can answer all the questions about atoms and molecules to earn Tools for your Science Tool Kit.
Glossary. Learn cool new chemistry definitions.

Materials Needed

Scissors, tape, calcium carbonate chalk, white vinegar, string or yarn, Popsicle sticks, eggshells, small bowl or cup

Concepts and Ideas

Molecules Are Everywhere! includes the following Disciplinary Core Ideas as described in the Next Generation Science Standards:

Structure and Properties of Matter (PS1.A), Chemical Reactions (PS1.B).

Scientific Expert Valerie Grosso.

Illustrations by Veronique Latimer.

Molecules are Everywhere!