Molecules in Motion

Simulate molecular movement in water’s three

states.

Objective:

Students will model the effects of

heat energy on the state of water.

Warm up

Discuss and compare the three states of water. Provide a sample of each for reference. Have student identify

the conditions needed for each to exist.

Question?

What happens when water evaporates? Where does water go?

Students may know or guess the answer. Help them to understand

that water has been broken down to its tiniest form- a water molecule.

Intro

Tell students water is made up of millions of tiny molecules. A cookie appears to be one solid piece, but when crumbled it is made up of

many tiny pieces.

Connections

Students know about the three states of water: they drink water,

inhale and exhale water vapor and crunch ice cubes. Understanding the behavior of water molecules helps student acquire knowledge of the physical properties of water

and molecular movement.

Ordered arrangement; molecules in

contact.

Some disorder; molecules in

contact.

Complete disorder;

molecules not in contact.

Solid

Students are solid

water molecule

s!

The state of matter of the water changes as more heat – energy - is added to the molecules of water.

Liquid

Students are liquid!

GasMore

energy is

added. Liquids become

gas.

Imagine yourself as a water molecule! Write a story of your travels and abilities!