======Making Marshmallow Molecules======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** Marshmallow Chemistry Models
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Separate mini marshmallows by color, assigning each color to a different element (e.g., orange = oxygen, pink = hydrogen, yellow = carbon, green = nitrogen).  
  - Label bags or bowls with the chosen element symbols.  
  - Print or prepare molecule cards showing simple molecules such as H₂O, CO₂, or CH₄.  
  - Use marshmallows as atoms and toothpicks as bonds to construct the molecules shown on the cards.  
  - For double bonds, use two toothpicks side by side.  
  - As molecules become more complex, cut toothpicks shorter to fit better.  
  - Glue finished molecules to cardstock if you want to keep them as models.



====Links==== 
Marshmallow Molecule Lab - Mr. B's Shop and Science Page: 
{{youtube>ajxsiYKf0K4?}}\\

Crafting with Science - Marshmallow Molecules - CFHTelescope: 
{{youtube>0sdiBRj0NIY?}}\\

📄 Making Marshmallow Molecules - Constellation: [[https://blog.constellation.com/2020/07/08/making-marshmallow-molecules/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Try building mixtures by placing different molecules together without connecting them.  
  * Create more complex organic molecules like glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).  
  * Compare single, double, and triple bonds in different molecules.  
  * Use gumdrops or clay balls instead of marshmallows for more durable models.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Marshmallows and toothpicks are safe materials, but supervise young children to prevent choking hazards.  
  * Use scissors safely when cutting toothpicks.  
  * Do not eat the marshmallows once they have been handled and used in the activity.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What is the difference between an element and a molecule? (An element is made of only one type of atom, while a molecule is two or more atoms bonded together.)  
  * Why do some molecules need single bonds and others need double bonds? (Different atoms share different numbers of electrons to become stable, which determines the bond type.)  
  * How is a compound different from a mixture? (A compound is chemically bonded, while a mixture just has substances physically combined.)  
  * What does water’s chemical formula (H₂O) tell you about its structure? (It has two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.)