Modeling Hydrocarbons
This lesson is adapted from the Connecticut Algebra 1 Model Curriculum. (Available through a link at atomicmath.org)
Begin by showing the Overview on the JPL page about Saturn’s moon, Titan. Talk a little bit about hydrocarbons, including methane. Don’t draw it or show a picture yet & don’t pass out the lesson page yet!
Give students, in pairs, the supplies. They should each have 4 big marshmallows, 10 little ones, and 10 toothpicks.
Project the following directions:
Once you’ve seen their methane molecules, call the class together to watch this Flash Animation about hydrocarbons. Now distribute the lesson page. You’ll see it has some repeat text – helpful for absent students.
You can follow-up the next day with Burning Hydrocarbons.