3D Marshmallow ModelsLab ActivityAdapted from the California Learning LabToday’s Question.
How do the bonded and non-bonded electron pairs on the central atom of a molecule determine the 3D shape of a molecule?
Use marshmallows and toothpicks to construct models of molecules with different numbers of electron pairs and bonds to a central atom and compare how those electron pairs determine the 3D shape of the molecule.
Data and Information Model Use candy and toothpicks (or other similar objects) to represent atoms and electron groupsto make 3D molecules. 1.Builda marshmallow model kit at home.
●The kit should contain marshmallows or a similar type of flexible candy in 2 different colors. At least three of one color and 9 of anothercolor. Use clay, Play-Doh, etc. These items represent the atoms in the model.
●You will also needat least 9 toothpicks or other short stick-likeobjects (cut straws, spaghetti, etc.) that can be inserted into the candy. These items represent the electron groups(bonding or non-bonding)in the model.2.Each of the molecules in this exercise represents some common 3D molecular shapes formed around a central atom “A”. Additional atoms will be represented by “B”. Choose one color marshmallow for the central atom “A” and another color for the surrounding atoms “B”.3.Each toothpick representsone electron group which could be either a single, double or triple bondto atom BORa lone pair (LP) of electrons(E). The physical number of bonds (like there are two bonds in a double bond) is not relevant to examination of the 3Dshape of the molecule. Each single, double, or triple bond counts as ONE electron group.
