We learned that most of the time atoms do not travel alone. Atoms bond with other atoms to make molecules. When atoms bond with all the same type of atoms, they are called elements because they are purely one type of atom. Sometimes different kinds of atoms bond together. When this happens a compound molecule is formed. Chemical formulas are a simple shorthand chemists use to indicate the type and number of atoms in a molecule. Next we learned that atoms are limited in the number of bonds they can make. Chemists use the “HONC” rule to remember the maximum number of bonds for Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon. Hydrogen can make one bond, Oxygen two, Nitrogen three and Carbon four.
Assignment: Connect atoms and construct chemical bonds with toothpicks and gumdrops...