Molecular Murder
Can you solve the case of the murdered molecule of Molapolis?
Of course you can!
This lesson has been adapted from the lesson “Dial M for Molecule” by Alexander Poplawsky & Aruna Kailasa.
Scene 1: The Moleculicide
U2.molecular.murderpic.pdfColor Codes for Atoms:
Black C = carbon, Black H = hydrogen, Blue = Nitrogen,
Yellow = Sulfur, Red= Oxygen
The Setting:
The year 3000 is upon us. All life on Earth has been extinct for over 500 years. The only things that remain are robots and of course, all the elements on the periodic table. The robots and elements have formed a strange sort of existence, very similar to the civilizations created by humans....welcome to Molapolis, the City of Molecules.
Just this evening a molecule has been murdered and it is your job to figure out which molecule it is! Your teacher will give you a copy of the worksheet that accompanies this lesson!
Define the terms to know using the Quizlet set:
Read or Listen to Scene 1:
Listen to Scene 1 with headphones or in a small group.
Count up the atoms in the room and use the symbols to identify the element name. Then use the image below to draw the Lewis dot structures.
Draw the ball and stick structure of a carboxyl group (Google is your BFF).
Which functional group is on the bed (in the bottom left corner of picture)? Once you know, draw the ball and stick structure of the functional group (Google is your BFF).
Scene 2: The Legend Returns
Read or Listen to Scene 2:
Listen to Scene 2 using headphones or in a small group.
What are the four building blocks (macromolecules) of life (the website is useful, but don't forget Google is your BFF)?
Scene 3: Determining the Victim's Identity
Read or Listen to Scene 3:
Listen to Scene 3 using headphones or in a small group.
Which macromolecule contains both of the functional groups you have identified in the victim (Google is your BFF)?
Now, you need to figure out the specific molecule that was blown apart! When you know the identity of the molecule, use the modeling kit provided to construct a model of your molecule. Be sure to follow the color codes included in the instructions). Show your teacher the model and sketch it below with a color coding system.