Unit Overview

In Mosa Mack’s Atoms and Molecules unit, students solve two atomic mysteries through which they discover the components of molecules and atoms. They are then led through an activity in which they construct atomic and molecular models. The unit culminates in an element challenge in which students select an element and bring it to life by either creating a profile for it or designing a product based on it.

• Next Generation Science Standards

  MS-PS1-1

  Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on developing models of molecules that vary in complexity. Examples of simple molecules could include ammonia and methanol. Examples of extended structures could include sodium chloride or diamonds. Examples of molecular level models could include drawings, 3D ball and stick structures, or computer representations showing different molecules with different types of atoms.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include valence electrons and bonding energy, discussing the ionic nature of subunits of complex structures, or a complete description of all individual atoms in a complex molecule or extended structure is not required.]

  MS-PS1-5

  Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on law of conservation of matter and on physical models or drawings, including digital forms, that represent atoms.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the use of atomic masses, balancing symbolic equations, or intermolecular forces.]

• Inquiry Scale
  • Each lesson in the unit has an Inquiry Scale that provides directions on how to implement the lesson at the level that works best for you and your students.
  • “Level 1” is the most teacher-driven, and recommended for students in 4th-5th grades. “Level 4” is the most student-driven, and recommended for students in 7th-8th grades.
  • For differentiation within the same grade or class, use different inquiry levels for different groups of students who may require additional support or an extra challenge.
• Common Misconceptions
  • Learners will often use the terms “atom” and “molecule” interchangeably, so emphasize the difference both in the video and the vocabulary map before proceeding to The Make.
• Vocabulary
  • • Proton
    • Neutron
    • Electron
    • Atom
    • Molecule
    • Bond
    • Sucrose
• Content Expert
  • Hans C. von Baeyer
    Chancellor Professor of Physics, Emeritus College of William and Mary
• Leveled Reading

  * To give our users the most comprehensive science resource, Mosa Mack is piloting a partnership with RocketLit, a provider of leveled science articles.

  • Carbon Atoms are Great Dance Partners
    
    In this article, students learn about what makes carbon so special and why it easily bonds with all kind of different molecules. Through as analogy comparing them to dance partners, the basic ideas behind covalent bonds and electron sharing are explained.

  
  RocketLit serves tailored Science reading to every student in your classroom at their independent reading level.
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  • If You Were Made of LEGOs
    
    Students should already know that we aren't all made up of LEGOs, but this article should help them understand that we're all made of matter, we all have mass and that mass is made up of tiny parts called atoms.

  
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  • Drawing an Atom
    
    The concept of drawing things that are too small to see is tough! This article explains that protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus and electrons move around outside the center of the atom.

  
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  • Atom + Atom = ?
    
    The tiny parts that make up the universe are constantly breaking and reconnecting. This article explains to students that atoms can combine into the compounds and molecules that make up everything in the universe.

  
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  • Opposites Attract
    
    In this article, students read about the basics of what makes up an ionic bond. The article starts out with a simple description of electrons and follows by describing cations and anions before connecting the concepts as an ionic bond.

  
  RocketLit serves tailored Science reading to every student in your classroom at their independent reading level.
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  • Carbon Based Life
    
    In this article, students read about why carbon-based life forms are all around us. They read about the strong bonds that carbon forms with other atoms and the backbone that carbon forms to create many thing that we depend on to live.

  
  RocketLit serves tailored Science reading to every student in your classroom at their independent reading level.
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