Games and friendly competition can bring some variety to the practice needed to become familiar with the terms atom, ion and molecule
This resource accompanies the Education in Chemistry CPD article How to teach atoms, molecules and ions.
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Download instructions, a grid and prompt cards to play atoms, molecules and ions 4-in-a-line.
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How to use this resource
This classroom game is based on the classic game Connect 4. Match the symbol or the particle diagram to the type of particle it represents. Get 4-in-a-line to win!
In pairs, learners need a copy of the 4-in-a-line grid and a set of shuffled game cards, arranged in a pile, face down between the two players.
Learners take it in turns to turn over a card and decide if it represents an atom, a molecule or an ion. If both players are unsure, you can confirm the particle type. If correct the player finds the answer anywhere on the grid and either colours in the circle or places a personalised counter over it. If incorrect, or the learner doesn’t know the answer, they must place the card at the bottom of the pile.
The first player to obtain four circles in a line (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) anywhere on the grid wins.
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Atoms molecules ions 4 in a line
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