Instructional Video

Polar and Non-Polar Molecules

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Ever wonder why oil and water don't mix? Or why washing butter off of your hands is difficult? A video explores the different types of molecules, reviews charge and geometric asymmetry, and covers why water is one of the best molecular structures on Earth. 

1 Collection 19 Views 12 Downloads NGSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Show water and oil mixed in a beaker; have pairs of learners explain why these two substances repel each other
  • After the video, have learners tweak their explanations using knowledge of polar and non-polar molecules 
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires access to the Internet, a projection system, and a computer to complete the activity
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Includes simple, relatable examples of polar and non-polar interactions (oil and water and butter on your hands with water) to help the concept come alive for learners
  • Video explores why water is so good at so many different things
Cons
  • There is an inaccurate image at 3:37; you must turn on annotations to see the corrections 
NGSS