Wyoming Science HS-PS2-6

ScienceGrades 9–12Physical Science

The Standard

Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of materials.

2023 Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards · PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain how a material's particles are arranged and bonded. They connect that structure to a property, then explain why the property makes the material useful for a specific job.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can use particle diagrams to explain why graphite marks paper but diamond can scratch glass. They identify the weak attractions between graphite's layers and the strong bonds throughout diamond.
Common Misconceptions: Students may assume graphite and diamond have the same properties because both are carbon. They may also call graphite's layers weak without distinguishing the strong bonds within each layer from the weak attractions between layers.
How to Assess It: Show diagrams of graphite's layers and diamond's bonded network. Ask students to write a two-sentence note explaining why one works in a pencil and the other in a glass cutter.

Lesson moves

Test aluminum foil and plastic wrap in a battery, resistor, and LED circuit, then sketch why one conducts and the other does not.
Ask: Why does graphite rub onto paper while diamond can cut glass? Use the bond diagrams to support your answer.
Match cards showing graphite layers, a diamond network, and a metal lattice to cards showing their uses, then explain each match.
Show a piece of insulated copper wire and have students label how the copper carries current while the plastic keeps it contained.

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