Topic: Molecules and their Structure

Subject/Year Level: Science / Year 6

Subject Curriculum Statement: Science An introduction to chemistry, the
understanding of basic molecules and molecular structures involved in chemical
reactions within the human body.
ICTE tool: Molecules App
ICT Dimension: Visual Thinking
ICT curriculum statement: Students will view and record different molecules
included in the app and list the elements that they contain.
Lesson Procedure:
Role of ICTE tool:
(How you are achieving subject curriculum goal)

With multiple ipads in the classroom,

students can access the apps
individually or in groups to allow
collaboration.
My ipad/teaching ipad (or personal
iphone) can connect to the smart
board/computer monitor
Guide students through different
molecules on the app (eg. Insulin,
caffeine, DNA, etc), demonstrating
how to manipulate, zoom in, analyse
and view different molecules within
the app.
Allow students time to explore the app
and manipulate the different molecule
models
Provide a table detailing the different
molecules so that students can use
the app as a facilitating object to their
learning they can take in and
interpret information they see on the
screen (eg. The different elements and
atoms), and record what all the
elements of which the molecules
comprise.

(How you are achieving ICTE curriculum goal)

The app allows students to interact

with the app and manipulate the
structure of molecules to create
different compounds
Zooming in allows the students to see
the molecular structure of the
compound and identify what elements
are in it
This visual learning allows the
students to commit the information
provided to visual memory, and works
to engage and intrigue them.
The spin button allows the student to
see the molecule as a whole and how
it is structured
Giving the students time to play
around with the app promotes an
active / learner based method of
learning
The app provides a beginners insight
into the understanding of basic
molecules and how they work;
prepares the students for higher
education and familiarises them with
the appearance and knowledge
around molecules and the elements.
Familiarizes students with different
molecules within the body (eg. Insulin,
DNA)

Potentials of the ICTE tool:

The hands on approach to the topic
with the use of 3D structures on the
iPad allows students to better grasp
the realistic appearance of molecules,
and by association the nature of their
nature.
The interactive nature of the iPad may
keep easily distracted students
engaged and interested whilst
learning.

Limitations of the ICTE tool:

Doesnt accommodate for technical
failures with eg. Uncharged iPads,
broken screens, touch limitations
May not accommodate for students
with varying needs eg, visually
impaired students.
Non educational games may be
downloaded and accessed on the iPad
and could serve as a distraction.