This tutorial is designed to reinforce the concept of electron sharing as central to the nature of covalent bonding, and that covalent bonds can join together a few atoms or thousands as in a macromolecule. An in-depth discussion (e.g. why atoms share electrons and topics like the octet rule, valency, and electron shells) was beyond the scope of this module, though you may find it helpful to review those topics with your students at this time. To this end, the students are referred to other Web sites that contain detailed descriptions of those topics.

Relevant National Science Education Standards

Unifying Concepts and Processes — Molecules are systems of atoms, and this reading discusses how those atoms interact to form molecules.

Physical Science — The structure of matter on the atomic and molecular levels is central to this reading.