The Living Environment

Ardito/Sweeney

Lab - Visualizing Molecules

Overview
All of the processes that allow the human body to function have to occur at the
molecular level inside of cells. Cells, as we all know, are microscopic. Molecules are
smaller still. Therefore, while our lives depend upon the movement and activity of
molecules, they are way too small for us to have any direct experience of them.

The purpose of this lab is to use common objects (gum drops and toothpicks) to make
models of certain molecules that are essential to human life, as well as some of the key
reactions in which they play a role.

Materials:
Gum drops of various colors
Toothpicks
Colored pencils

Procedures:
1. You will work with a partner.
2. You and your partner will select various colors of gum drops to represent carbon,
oxygen, and hydrogen. You will indicate your key on the lab sheet below.
3. You will build each of the molecules indicated below. Then, you will sketch them in the
space provided and use your color key so you use the appropriate colors.
4. You and your partner will use your gum drops to make models of the chemical
reactions indicated below. For each you will sketch the reactants (your ingredients)
and your products (what you end up with). Once again, you will use the appropriate
colors.
5. You will answer the questions at the end to sum up what you have learned from this
lab.

Visualizing Molecules Lab, page 1 of 4

Part 1: Making Molecules
Make models of the following molecules. For each, fill in the chemical formula and make
a sketch of your model (in color).

Molecule Chemical Formula Sketch

Water

Oxygen

Carbon Dioxide

Ethanol

Glucose

Visualizing Molecules Lab, page 2 of 4

Part 2: Making Reactions
Make models of the following chemical reactions. For each, fill in the chemical formula
and make a sketch of your models (in color).

Chemical Chemical Formula Sketch

Reaction

Photosynthesis

Cellular
Respiration

Analysis and Conclusions:

1. Why is it important to have a key showing which gum drops represented carbon,
oxygen, and hydrogen?

Visualizing Molecules Lab, page 3 of 4

2. Why do you think it is important to make models of molecules and some of the
chemical reactions in which they participate?

3. What does this lab teach you about how molecules contribute to the functions of the
life processes that we have been studying?

Visualizing Molecules Lab, page 4 of 4