Teacher Monitoring Guide
Grade 7 · Cycle 2 · Week 4 — Molecular Structure
& Properties
Learning Goal
Students will develop models of simple molecules to explain how atomic
structure and bonding determine the physical and chemical properties of
substances.
Station Checkpoints
Station 1 — Hook & Phenomenon
Look for: Students connecting the phenomenon to prior knowledge and
generating testable questions
Common misconception: More atoms always means higher melting point —
guide students to consider bond type (ionic vs. covalent) and
intermolecular forces
Station 2 — Investigation / Data Collection
Look for: Accurate data recording and identification of emerging
patterns in the evidence
Common misconception: All molecules with the same elements are identical
— show structural isomers (same formula, different arrangement,
different properties)
Station 3 — Sense-Making
Look for: Students revising their model based on evidence collected
during investigation
Common misconception: Molecular models are exact representations —
clarify that models are simplified tools with limitations; real electron
clouds are probabilistic
Exit Ticket Monitoring
| Score Range |
Interpretation |
Next Step |
| 18–23 pts |
Meeting target |
Extend with synthesis question |
| 10–17 pts |
Developing |
Small group re-teach at day start |
| 0–9 pts |
Needs support |
1:1 intervention before next station |
MTSS Tier 2 Supports
For students scoring below 10 pts on the exit ticket: use the sentence
frames below during the next class's hook.
- "I notice that _____ because _____."
- "The evidence shows _____, which means _____."