Using a collection of basic LEGO® bricks and our free teaching materials, educators can teach cross-cutting concepts about matter in biology, chemistry, and earth science. 

About the Molecule Sets

Each LEGO brick represents an atom, and brick colors are the universal CPK standard colors for elements. Students can model elements, compounds and mixtures with the bricks and also model more complex concepts such as chemical reactions. The Molecule Set includes 10+ lessons in chemistry, biology and earth science:

  • CHEMISTRY: The Chemical Reactions lessons teach students that a chemical reaction is a rearrangement of atoms into new molecules. 
  • BIOLOGY: The Photosynthesis lessons aid students in understanding that plants create most of their mass from air.
  • EARTH SCIENCE: The Understanding Air lessons help students visualize the molecules in air to make sense of climate change and air pollution. The Understanding Oceans lessons connect increased carbon dioxide in the air with ocean acidification.

Read more about the Rationale for using LEGO bricks as atoms. You can make your own Molecule Sets by visiting our webpage: Information for Edgerton Center Molecule Sets. We are no longer able to sell Molecule Sets, unfortunately. Download the Molecules Sets Overview to learn more about the sets and curriculum. 

"I am always on the lookout for materials that will aid the students in wrapping their minds around the very abstract concepts of biology. I was blown away with the potential LEGO bricks have to make a very abstract concept more concrete for students."
Kristine Fox
Special Ed Teacher Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School, South Yarmouth, MA