In this interactive activity from ChemThink, learn about covalent molecules and how the VSEPR theory predicts the shapes of covalently-bonded molecules.

Created by the Concord Consortium, the Molecular Workbench is "a modeling tool for designing and conducting computational experiments across science." First-time visitors can check out one of the Featured Simulations to get started. The homepage contains a number of curriculum modules which deal with chemical bonding, semiconductors, and diffusion. Visitors can learn how to create their own simulations via the online manual, which is available here as well. The Articles area is quite helpful, as it contains full-text pieces on nanoscience education, quantum chemistry, and a primer on how transistors work. A good way to look over all of the offerings here is to click on the Showcase area. Here visitors can view the Featured simulations, or look through one of five topical sections, which include Biotech and Nanotechnology. Visitors will need to install the free Molecular Workbench software, which is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac.

A fun lab experience with little extra prep or materials needed. Kids are amazed that 1+1 doesn't equal 2!

Students work as engineers to learn about the properties of molecules and how they move in 3D space through the use of LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT robotics. They design and build molecular models and use different robotic sensors to control the movement of the molecular simulations. Students learn about the size of atoms, Newman projections, and the relationship of energy and strain on atoms. This unique modular modeling activity is especially helpful in providing students with a spatial and tactile understanding of how molecules behave.

This video segment adapted from NOVA relates the dramatic story of vulcanologists trying to predict the timing of the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.

This is a guided inquiry investigation for students to determine the state of matter of a mystery material and to make potential real world applications/products for the mystery material.

This activity is an investigation of a "mystery material" where students have to determine whether the substance is a solid or a liquid. This activity can be done as part of an earth science or chemistry lesson.

Join a group of middle-school students on a visit to a laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where they experiment with "mystery mud" and learn about the relationships between magnetism, particle motion, and changes in the state of matter.

In this classroom guided inquiry lesson, students will complete a serious of tests using five different mystery powders. Student will develop hypotheses, make observations, and draw conclusions about what each powder is and the physical and chemical reactions that occur when heat, water, iodine, and vinegar are added to each substance.

In this video adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, find out about the discovery of a new building material, the carbon nanotube, whose physical properties could theoretically enable the creation of a 22,000-mile elevator to space.

Describes the progress being made in materials engineering, so that one day in the not too distant future scientists will easily be able to use a computer to design materials that meet any required properties.

This article provides background information related to natural resources of the poles, and renewable and non-renewable energy.

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, an early astronaut's experiences teach students that Newton's third law of motion—for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction—applies both on Earth and in outer space.

In this video segment adapted from NOVA, NASA learns hard lessons from the first American attempt to do work while "walking" in space. The video also explores Newton's third law of motion.

In this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, MIT engineer Dava Newman is working to replace today's bulky, inflated space suits with a radical, sleek design that may one day allow astronauts to walk easily on Mars.

Nitrogen, one of the most abundant elements in the universe, is essential to life. This interactive activity adapted from the University of Alberta provides an overview of the nitrogen cycle.

At this site read about Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937 CE), the scientist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, "for his investigations into the disintegration of the elements, and the chemistry of radioactive substances." This website includes both primary and secondary texts as well as resources for further reading and research.

At this website from The Nobel e-Museum, read about Harold Clayton Urey (1893-1981 CE), the chemist awarded with a Nobel Prize "for his discovery of heavy hydrogen." Download Urey's Nobel Lecture, "Some thermodynamic properties of hydrogen an deuterium," (in PDF format) and read a brief biography, which provides information on both Urey's personal life and professional career.

At this site read about Willard Frank Libby (1908-1980 CE), the scientist and mathematician who discovered the carbon dating methods used by archaologists and geologists. This website includes the Nobel Prize "Presentation Speech," as well as Libby's Nobel Lecture, entitled "Radiocarbon dating," which is available in pdf format.

This site from the Nobel eMuseum allows you to read about the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin (1910-1994 CE), who was honored "For her determinations by X-ray techniques of the structures of important biochemical substances." This website is organized into the following sections: "Presentation Speech," "Biography," "Nobel Lecture," and "Other Resources."