This natural science lesson introduces molecules and how they behave. Presented are freezing, evaporation, melting and dissolving. Hands-on experiments allow the children to participate, classify, and investigate scientifically.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the program, ask the students: What is a molecule? Are water and ice the same thing? Do you know what it means when something dissolves?

"What are Molecules?"
Cartoon turtle children introduce the lesson as they ask their mother what molecules could be. As the word is defined, encourage the students to think about what items are composed of molecules. The narration has just provided the information so listening skills and focus are important.

"Water"
Water molecules are introduced in this section of the lesson through simple cartoon drawings of molecule 'characters'. Students are asked what water molecules are called when they become cold and turn solid. (ice). The narration also asks what would happen to a glass bottle of water if it were frozen. Talk about how ice expands and will possibly break the glass.
Hands-on activity - provide the students with pieces of ice to examine. As the ice melts in their hands, talk about what is happening to the molecules. Use different sizes of ice for variety and talk about which pieces melt fastest.

"Cross the Lake Game"
Touch-screen game - this simple game encourages students to compare the sizes of the icebergs on a lake and jump on the correct ones to cross the lake. If the wrong ones are chosen (too small), the character on the Learning Station will fall in and the player must start over. The correct route is at the top of the screen. A second route that looks feasible is at the bottom, but because the last piece of ice is too small, the player cannot proceed. A reset button is provided to allow the game to be played as many times as desired. To advance the program, activate the fast-forward button on the toolbar.
Hands-on activity - A handout of the ice-filled lake is provided on your disk. Students are instructed to draw a line of the correct route to cross the lake. This simple exercise will reinforce their problem-solving skill applied during the game, as well as provide a little motor skill development.

"The Three Sates of Molecules-Part 2"
Evaporation is introduced in this section of the lesson. Students are encouraged to repeat the word with the narration. 'Gas' and 'vapor' are also presented. Talk about how they are essentially the same to ensure that students have an understanding of the concept.
Touch-screen game - icons of a gas, liquid and solid are presented. As a scenario is presented by the image and narration, students must choose the correct icon. The narration instructs the students to explain their answer BEFORE choosing the icon. The teacher may need to reinforce this to encourage the students to explain their reasoning.
Physical activity - After the game, a brief physical activity encourages the students to act out how a molecule would behave when it is slowly frozen, and then as it evaporates. This allows the children to wiggle and 'role-play' as a molecule.

"The Turtle Bakes a Cake"
The story of Jennifer and her brother introduces the principle of dissolving. As the characters attempt to make a cake, they add sugar to water. The sugar dissolves and a discussion is provided to explain how and why after students are asked to theorize. Encourage full sentences as they answer.

"Do Your Own Experiment"
Hands-on activity - provide a bowl or a glass of water and sugar. This can be done as teams as a class activity, depending on class size and teacher preference. As the narration describes, slowly add sugar to the water to demonstrate how it dissolves. (warm water will accelerate the process).
Videotaping activity - Videotape the students as they describe what their experiment proves. Remind them that they are conducting scientific experiments.

"Help the Turtles Bake a Cake"
Touch-screen - The story returns to Jennifer and her brother as they are presented with an assortment of ingredients to add to the cake. The narration asks students to determine if each item, one by one, will dissolve. Encourage students to listen to the entire question and follow the instructions before choosing the icon. As the story (and instructions) proceeds, all of the items will be added to the cake mix. Encourage the students to talk about what items they would prefer in the cake.
Hands-on - a handout matching the image on the Learning Station is provided on your disk. Students are instructed to circle the items that will dissolve in water. Encourage students to take these home and describe their experiment.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Review the words - evaporation, dissolving, vapor, gas, melting
(optional) talk about how water that evaporates on the stove is steam and how it can burn
Remind students that everything is made of molecules
How does a molecule act when it is frozen? When it is melted?

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Discovered" - parents handout
ice cubes or pieces to examine (container to discard & towels, if necessary)
handout (on disk) of ice-covered lake to color and complete
handout (on disk) of cake ingredients to circle
bowls or glasses of water, sugar
videotape