Molecule Lesson Plans

Students investigate the concept of molecules and categorize them into the major groups of biology. They define the major components of the cell and explain how carbon is part of the atomic structure and its role in the forming of biological molecules.

Students explore kinetic-molecular energy and the proximity of particles in states of matter. In groups, they perform experiments and explore the phenomenon of substances as they are heated and cooled. Students describe the molecule's behavior and energy and complete a heating and cooling curve graph.

Students investigate the properties of water. In this chemistry of water lesson plan, students observe a demonstration of the properties of water using sand, sugar, oil, vinegar and salad dressing. Students experiment with water, pepper, and dishwashing detergent and they construct a water molecule showing the hydrogen bonds and its polarity.

Students test for organic molecules to determine if a solution contains once living molecules. In this characteristics of life instructional activity, students test common liquids for the presence of organic molecules, including starch, protein, and glucose. Based on the results of the test, students determine if the liquid contains molecules that were once in living things.

Learners explore how matter takes up energy. In this matter lesson, students attempt to inflate a balloon inside a bottle to see how air molecules take up space. They will discuss their observations and conduct a self evaluation in the form of a poem or song.

Students investigate surface tension in water. In this water molecules and surface tension lesson, students observe 3 demonstrations to show how water molecules are attracted to one another, how soap reduces the surface tension in water and how bubbles demonstrate surface tension.

Students examine the water cycle the part humans play in the cycle. They assume the role of a water molecule as it travels through the water cycle and write a story describing their experience. Students travel to stations in the classroom that represent parts of the water cycle to assist in their story.

Fifth graders complete activities that correlate with the properties of matter. In this matter lesson, 5th graders have four main activities that correspond to the Children's Museum of Houston. The activities deal with properties of matter, molecules, atoms, magnetism and more. 

Learners explore heat transfer.  In this temperature and molecule behavior lesson, students view a PowerPoint while simultaneously performing experiments in which heat transfer is demonstrated.  Learners use cold beakers, ice cubes, light bulbs, and chemicals as they observe and record what happens when these materials make contact.

Students explore the structure of DNA and build a model. In this DNA lesson plan, students complete a chart with the molecules that make up both DNA and RNA nucleotides. Students draw and color pieces of the molecule such as the hydrogen bonds and the bases. Students construct a model of DNA using plastic pieces to form a double helix and answer questions about the backbone and the bases of DNA.