Students gain an understanding of the difference between electrical conductors and insulators, and experience recognizing a conductor by its material properties. In a hands-on activity, students build a conductivity tester to determine whether different objects are conductors or insulators. In another activity, students use their understanding of electrical properties to choose appropriate materials to design and build their own basic circuit switch.

After reviewing different types of bonding, students predict the type of bond that will form between two different atoms using periodic trends and electronegativity data. [4:04]

Examine what it is that gives metal its special characteristics and how metal behaves under the stress of heat and outside forces. An engaging interactive feature is offered to here to illustrate this concept.

Students learn about the biomedical use of nanoparticles in the detection and treatment of cancer, including the use of quantum dots and lasers that heat-activate nanoparticles. They also learn about electrophoresis a laboratory procedure that uses an electric field to move tiny particles through a channel in order to separate them by size. They complete an online virtual mini-lab, with accompanying worksheet, to better understand gel electrophoresis. This prepares them for the associated activity to write draft research proposals to use nanoparticles to protect against, detect or treat skin cancer.

This video tutorial helps define bond length and bond strength for covalent compounds. [3:23]

Learn how to classify bonds as covalent, polar covalent or ionic by using the differences in electronegativity in this video. Video explains the Pauling scale to find the electronegativity differences in bonding. [11:38]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

An explanation of how the amount of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom designates the reactivity to other elements. [10:57]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

This video/animation illustrates that a molecule as a small group of atoms stuck or bonded together with electrons. Dr. Chris Muhlstein introduces the idea of these three primary types of bonds: ionic, covalent and metallic; animations show how they form at the atomic level, and give everyday examples. [0:57]