Molecular modelling with clay part 1

About a month ago, I started a discussion on the Qoto Discourse forum on molecular modelling.

As I am aware not everyone can afford the Molymod kits [1], I suggested that it should be possible to do something similar, at least on a basic level with plasticine. As I didn't have any at the time, I made a rough model using BluTack.

I have since managed to find some modelling clay from Poundland [3] so I present here, part 1 of 2 on a how_to do this.

Note: is was suggested that I make a video of this, I don't have the equipment for this, so will use photos instead, however hopefully once the South Devon Tech Jam [4] is back, perhaps I can get some help with making a video.

I would rather use photos than make a really bad video, and seek some expertise in creating a video.


So as mentioned in the Discourse thread [2], which you are welcome to join and add to the discussion. What we are looking to do is build simple molecules.

Organic Molecules

This above shows some basic Alkanes made with a Molymod kit [1].

So firstly the clay I bought from Poundland is below

Clay1 Clay2

I have already cut some drinking straws to length

Straws

So in this case, the straight pieces are about 1” and the bendy pieces are about 1” either side of the bend.

And as mentioned before these can act as part of a double bond or straight bonds.

As also discussed the Colours will follow normal convention:

Colour Atom
Black Carbon
Red Oxygen
White Hydrogen
Blue Nitrogen
Green Halogen

This system using the clay isn't going to be perfect, but it is not meant to be. If we can build basic molecules, this is the important thing.

I will provide a follow up post tomorrow.

References

1 Molymod 2 Qoto Discourse 3 Poundland 4 South Devon Tech Jam 5 Molymod Colours

End notes

Hopefully this is useful and if it is, I am still looking for employment in a school, I feel that being able to think of solutions such as this, demonstrates important skills such as problem solving, and writing these blog posts also demonstrates communication skills.

You can find a link to my LinkedIn profile and other contact details on my contact page here.

#chemistry,#chemical,#modelling,#clay,#straws,#visualisation


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