Bonding models
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare bonding models, describe which models would be useful to show different aspects of bonding, and describe limitations of these models.
Key learning points
- Scientists use models to represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe or explain directly.
- There are multiple ways (models) of drawing/showing bonding.
- There are multiple advantages and limitations of particular representations and models.
Keywords
Model - used by scientists to represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe or explain directly
Ball-and-stick model - used to represent the atoms and bonds in a chemical compound
Dot-and-cross diagram - used to show how chemical bonds are formed between atoms
Space-filling model - a 3D molecular model where the atoms are represented by spheres
Displayed formula - a 2D model of a covalent substance, showing all its atoms and bonds
Common misconception
Understanding that the models used to represent chemical story do not tell the complete story. Different models can be used to explain different aspects of bonding, but they all have limitations.
Avoid telling your class that the model is wrong; rather stress its limitations. Stress the idea that as we learn more about bonding, we will be able to use more sophisticated models to show and explain more key ideas.
Teacher tip
Build time into your lesson for students to make their own bonding models using either commercial bonding kits or using resources such as playdoh, plasticine, straws, polystyrene balls, pipe cleaners and beads. Encourage the student to evaluate their models.
Equipment
For students to make their own bonding models using either commercial bonding kits or using resources such as playdoh, plasticine, straws, polystyrene balls, pipe cleaners and beads.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which type of bonding involves the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms?
Q2.Which type of bonding occurs between metal atoms, allowing them to conduct electricity?
Q3.In bonding, one atom donates electrons to another atom, creating positive and negative ions that attract each other.
Q4. diagrams use crosses and dots to represent the electrons from different atoms. It shows how these electrons are shared to form covalent bonds.
Q5.Which of the following substances is most likely to have covalent bonding?
Q6.When a metal atom loses electrons, it becomes a charged ion.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which model is used to show how chemical bonds are formed between atoms?
Q2.Which model is best for showing the relative sizes of atoms?
Q3.Which model can only be used to show covalent bonds (not ionic bonds)?
Q4.Which of the following is a key advantage of the displayed formula?
Q5.Which model are these statements about?
Advantage: It clearly shows which electrons come from which atom. Limitation: It does not show the 3D structure of the chemical.
Q6.The space-filling model is useful for visualising molecular size and shape, while the model shows the 3D arrangement of atoms and bonds, which helps visualise molecular geometry.
To help you plan your 10 chemistry lesson on: Bonding models, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 chemistry lesson on: Bonding models, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Structure and bonding unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.