Making molecule models - reference sheet???

[typedup]

I don't know if it's OK to ask this sort of thing in Home Ed, but I'm thinking about buying a molecule model set but it doesn't come with any kind of guide. Has anyone come across a good leaflet or similar? We have used grapes and cocktail sticks and marshmallows and spaghetti - but DD is very interested in all things science and I think she would appreciate a more grown up kit (in case you're all going to tell me to not waste my money ,

I have no idea OP, but bumping for you as there are more about at the moment.

Our came with a booklet. :)
Each element is colour coded, which makes easy to build molecules that are not listed in the booklet. It's a bit like a Lego or meccano kit.

IME the elements are usually colour coded and in any case you can use the number of holes (the valency) to work out which is which. So the carbon should have 4 holes, oxygen 2, hydrogen 1 etc.

OK, thanks.

What sort of molecules do you want to make models of?

This is the kit we use in school for organic chemistry. It comes with instructions.

The molymod kits TheFallenMadonna has linked to are very good. Just watch out that in some kits some of the atoms come with the wrong number of holes (valency) e.g. carbon has 3 holes.

This is so they can be used e.g. to build graphite, which only forms 3 bonds, but makes building any other molecule very confusing so best to remove these from the kit until they are needed.

This website has some great resources on building common everyday molecules e.g. aspirin, caffeine, glucose (sugar) and it uses the molymod colour scheme.