Models Matter: Empowering Students with Atomic Model Kits
Help me give my students these atomic model sets, a powerful tool that will allow them to build, visualize and manipulate atoms and molecules, thus develop a deeper understanding, inspire curiosity and boost critical thinking among 8th graders.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. F. Soria's classroom raised $196
This project is fully funded
My Project
At our Middle School, we believe that learning should be more than just reading from a textbook or filling out a worksheet—it should be an experience. This year, our 8th grade students will embark on an exciting unit covering the periodic table of elements, chemical bonding, and the properties of mixtures. These are foundational concepts in chemistry, but they are also notoriously difficult for students to grasp through lectures and two-dimensional diagrams alone. That’s why we are seeking your support to bring atomic model kits into our classroom.
These model sets are not just tools—they are gateways to understanding.
With them, students will be able to physically build and manipulate atoms and molecules. Instead of imagining how hydrogen bonds with oxygen, they will see it and create it with their own hands. Instead of memorizing atomic numbers and element groups, they will build connections between structure and behavior in ways that stick.
Currently, many of our science lessons rely heavily on printed worksheets and lecture-based instruction. While these approaches have value, they often leave visual and tactile learners behind. The atomic model kits will allow all students—regardless of learning style—to grasp complex ideas through direct interaction and experimentation. This is especially crucial for students who may not have access to science enrichment opportunities outside of school.
Moreover, these kits will serve as powerful tools for collaborative learning. Students can work in small groups to construct molecular structures, solve problems, and explain their thinking to peers—building not only academic skills but also communication and teamwork abilities. More importantly, they will ignite curiosity, build confidence, and help students see science as something they can understand—and even enjoy.
With your support, we can move beyond the worksheet and lecture. Help us make science real, relevant, and unforgettable.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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