About Molecule Shapes: Basics
Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D! Find out how a molecule's shape changes as you add atoms to a molecule.
How to play Molecule Shapes: Basics
Everything is hands-on: drag, click and experiment — the simulation reacts instantly. Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D!
Questions & answers
- What is Molecule Shapes: Basics?
- Molecule Shapes: Basics is a free interactive simulation from PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder) that you can play right in your browser on crumble.lol — no downloads and no sign-up. Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D! Find out how a molecule's shape changes as you add atoms to a molecule.
- What can kids learn from Molecule Shapes: Basics?
- It helps kids explore: recognize that molecule shape is due to repulsions between atoms. recognize that bonds are not fixed in place, but can rotate around in response to repulsions.
- What age is Molecule Shapes: Basics good for?
- It is designed for middle school (roughly ages 10–14) up to high school, and curious kids outside that range can absolutely enjoy poking around it too.
- Is Molecule Shapes: Basics free to play?
- Yes — Molecule Shapes: Basics is completely free on crumble.lol and runs fully in your browser on computers and tablets.