A three-dimensional model of the water molecule was developed for the purpose of simulating some of the properties of water and ice. Four cylindrical dipole magnets were inserted and secured into small spheres at angles of 109.5° from each other. The north poles of the magnets represent the hydrogen atoms and the south poles represent the lone electron pairs of oxygen. The models can be used to demonstrate some of the properties of water, such as the formation of the ice lattice, melting under pressure, the squeezing out of nonpolar molecules in mixtures, and the flickering clusters proposed by Frank and Wen in 1957. These self-assembling models (SAMs) can be used for classroom demonstrations, which will enable students to visualize and appreciate the unique attributes of water.
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.