Bonding and Interactions

understand how atoms of elements are attracted to each other and sometimes form bonds with other atoms.

identify types of bonds by formula or data/properties

preview image with snowflakes and text: "The Diamonds of Winter"
// Thursday, January 9, 2025 Tom Kuntzleman
Would you like to take a walk with me through the chemical winter wonderland of snowflakes? Well, we chemists know that the stunning six-sided symmetry of snowflakes (Figure 1) results from repeated arrangement of water molecules into a hexagonal crystal structure (Figure 2).
text: "Planning a Bonding Unit with resources from ChemEd X" over woman writing at desk
// Monday, November 25, 2024 Nora Walsh
If it's time for you to do some planning for a unit on bonding and/or nomenclature, this post if for you. To help with the planning of this unit, I have pulled together a list of posts to provide a bonding and nomenclature springboard. There is much more that can be found, but think of this as a really good starting point.
I Lava Particulate Models preview image with red blob dripping around title and a lava lamp
// Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Melissa Hemling
The Intermolecular Force Lava Lamp Lab is a beloved activity among our first-year chemistry students. By integrating particulate model scaffolds into the classic Lava Lamp Lab, we aim to make the concept of intermolecular forces more accessible, reducing cognitive load and improving overall comprehension.
Balancing Forces - A Magnetic Chess Brain Break preview image. Red background with gray magnets
// Thursday, May 16, 2024 Melissa Hemling
I enjoy incorporating quick brain break games into my chemistry classes to keep things exciting. Recently, while brainstorming ways to spice up a lecture on potential energy versus interparticle distance graphs, I stumbled upon a great idea for a brain break: magnetic chess!
text: "Personalizing Resources" with 3 molecular models - preview image
// Friday, January 5, 2024 Nora Walsh
Sometimes we have a topic that needs a refresh, and I hope when you’re searching for fresh ideas those searches lead you to ChemEd X! What I love doing is taking an activity that is really great, and using it in my own way with a personal twist.
text: "Water Maze - Chemistry Brain Break" over maze - preview image
// Monday, September 18, 2023 Melissa Hemling
As a chemistry teacher, I am constantly looking for ways to engage my students, promote community building, and reinforce key concepts. One effective way to achieve all these goals is through the use of brain breaks, short activities that provide students with a mental reset while incorporating learning in a fun and interactive manner.
text: "VSEPR Flat Pack" with image of paper model
// Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Kathryn Rust
Molecular geometry is a center piece to a student’s understanding of intermolecular forces. Unfortunately, many students don’t have the special skills to “see” the geometry without a model kit. We use a model kit in our laboratories, but there are not enough of them nor are there funds to purchase more. The students are unable to use thes