Tech Lesson 07-5: Molecule Simulator with Scratch
(Idea created by Nicholas Barreira - 5th Grade Smith's class 2008)

Standards:
Demonstrates understanding of basic technology and telecommunication tools
Operates Basic technology tools and applications

CSTA Level I Standard 4: (3rd to 5th) Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum.
CSTA Level I Standard 5: (3rd to 5th) Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create presentations, and publishing activities to create presentations for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

Basic Skills:

M5P4 Students will make connections among mathematical ideas and to other disciplines.
S5P2 Students will explain the difference between a physical change and a chemical change.
a. Investigate physical changes by separating mixtures and manipulating paper to demonstrate examples of physical change.
b. Recognize that the changes in state of water (water vapor/steam, liquid, ice) are due to temperature differences and are examples of physical changes.
c. Investigate the properties of a substance before, during, and after a chemical reaction to find evidence of change.

Requirements:

Student Scratch program must have at least 10 molecules that use motion and bouncing to simulate the movement of molecules and states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) depending on energy (temperature).

Requirements:
1. Has at least 10 molecule sprites
2. Each molecule moves and bounces off edge and each other
3. Each molecule moves faster and slower depending on the energy variable.

Extras:
1. Molecules "stick" closer together when energy is lower.
2. Molecules move farther apart when energy is higher.
3. Label sprites show the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) at different energy levels.

Process:  (Directions for Students)
(Step By Step Detailed Directions)

1. Draw one molecule with Scratch
2. Create Scripts to allow molecule to move about screen randomly and bounce off the edge
3. Create Variable to simulate energy (speed) and have the molecule move faster and slower depending on energy
4. Copy the molecule to create at least 10.
5. Use label sprites to show change between states in matter (solid, liquid, gas) depending on energy (temperature)
6. Save your file with name: "Lastname Molecules"

Sample Project



Assessment:

Exceeds Standard:
Scratch Project shows at least 10 molecules that bounce off edge and each other.
Molecules move slower and closer together as energy variable is lowered.

Meets Standard:
Scratch Project shows at least 10 molecules that bounce of edge.
Molecules move slower as energy variable is lowered.