MS-PS1-1

SCUSD NGSS Curriculum Guide


 * MS-PS1-1: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. ** [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on developing models of molecules that vary in complexity. Examples of simple molecules could include ammonia and methanol. Examples of extended structures could include sodium chloride or diamonds. Examples of molecular-level models could include drawings, 3D ball and stick structures, or computer representations showing different molecules with different types of atoms.] [//Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include valence electrons and bonding energy, discussing the ionic nature of subunits of complex structures, or a complete description of all individual atoms in a complex molecule or extended structure is not required.//]

Science Background for the Teacher:
Atoms can be connected in any random fashion when, in fact, they must be connected in a certain order to create a certain molecule.

Key Vocabulary:

 * molecules || atoms || substances || vibrate ||
 * temperature || pressure || collide || physical property ||
 * chemical property || crystal || particles ||  ||

Possible Assessments (formative and/or summative):
Give students a simple molecules and extended structures and have them build a 3D model of it (make sure that students have a variety of different molecules).

Give students models and have them identify what molecules are represented.

Key Student Activity:
Practice building different types of models for simple molecules (examples: water, oxygen, CO2) and extended structures (examples: NaCl crystals).

Key Teacher Demo/Activity:
[Description of teacher demo or activity. Include necessary materials, if known.]

Common Student Misconceptions:
Students think that atoms can be connected in any random fashion when, in fact, they must be connected in a certain order to create a certain molecule.

Things to Avoid/Correct:
[Descriptions of imprecise language or other mistakes related to this topic that might have to be corrected at a higher grade band.]

====Other Resources (text, video, simulations, activities, models, etc..): ====

[Descriptions or links to other resources that would support student understanding of this topic or mastery of this performance expectation.]