For today’s starter activity, students were challenged to draw the molecular structures represented by the chemical equation for cellular respiration:
C6H12O6 + O2 -> H2O + CO2 + ATP
Many students were able to draw molecular oxygen (O2, with a double bond between the two oxygen atoms), water, and carbon dioxide (also with double bonds connecting the central carbon atom to the two oxygen atoms). The molecular structure of glucose (C6H12O6) was far more challenging. We transitioned into Lesson 32, which brought together the concepts of molecular structures, valence electrons, covalent bonding, and Lewis dot symbols. We reviewed the Lesson 32 PowerPoint and then students worked in groups of four to complete the Lesson 32 worksheet. To help students visualize molecular structures, we used the molecular modeling kits. The kits were especially helpful in helping students understand double and triple bonds.