Chemical Modeling

thingiverse

There are many difficult concepts to understand in chemistry. This difficulty that many students face can come from the hands-off nature of learning about aspects of chemistry at the molecular level. Empowering students' learning through making with a 3D printer is now accessible to all of our chemistry students through using a free, web-based program called MolView. Using MolView, students can create, view and export molecules for 3D printing. In the following lessons, students learn about VSEPR Theory by modeling various geometric structures and 3D printing them. Standards: NGSS Overview and Background The following procedure can be used to teach about the VSEPR theory in any Chemistry class where students would benefit from creating their learning and understanding of molecular concepts. Lesson Plan and Activity Whole class work around learning about VSEPR Theory takes place before students break off into small groups. Students should have a basic understanding of the 6 basic shapes of molecular structures and the reasoning that molecules take their shapes based on electron pairs in the valence shell repelling each other and trying to be as far away from each other as possible. Create six break-out groups with each group assigned a different molecular structure: linear, trigonal planar, bent, tetrahedral, octahedral, trigonal pyramidal. Have each group use MolView to create their assigned molecular structure. The Trigonal Pyramidal molecular structure group has been tasked with creating Ammonia as it has that specific molecular structure. Go to MolView.org and clear the edit screen. Students can now create their molecular Structure. If a chemical element is not listed, click on the … and select from the periodic table the elements needed. Students can now create ammonia using the correct chemicals and bonding. To 3D print the molecular structure, download the .mol file. To convert the .mol file into a 3D printable file such as a .stl, use Chimera. If you don’t have Chimera installed on your computer, click on the following link and follow the on-screen guide for installation: https://www.cgl.ucsf.edu/chimera/download.html Click FILE and OPEN the .mol file of your saved molecule. You can change the shape of your molecule to more accurately see individual elements by clicking ACTIONS -> ATTOMS/BONDS -> BALL & STICK. The last step before you can 3D print your model is to click FILE -> EXPORT SCENE and save the model as a type 3D file needed. Custom Section After the lesson, if you want to smooth or paint your molecule models, follow the Technical Application Guides at http://www.stratasys.com/solutions/finishing-processes Website Links: MolView: http://molview.org/ Chimera: https://www.cgl.ucsf.edu/chimera/download.html Stratasys Finishing Guides: http://www.stratasys.com/solutions/finishing-processes