Brick-and-Stick Molecules

Idea represents ball-and-stick models of molecules using LEGO bricks. Many chemical compounds can be created by easily connecting and disconnecting atoms. To represent valence electrons and bond abilities, hydrogen atom got one connection point (technic hole), oxygen two, etc. Soft axles enables to create complex compounds with angled, double or triple bonds.

I have already used this system to show my kids differences between atoms, molecules and various compounds.

Second image shows molecules of liquids: sulfuric acid, water, chloroform.

Third image shows selection of gasses: ammonia, nitrogen molecule, carbon dioxide, oxygen molecule, hydrogen molecule.

Fourth image shows organic compounds: methane, ethane, methanol, ethanol, benzene.

Fifth image shows unit cell of silicon dioxide.

Many variations can be made by applying different stickers to the top tiles of atoms. For a set, I have selected 80 atoms and adequate number of bonds, in total 742 LEGO bricks.