Molecular Matters Project Instructions Molecular Matters
CHEM 1406 Extra Credit Project
Student Name
Date Submitted
Project Mission
Bridge the gap between textbook formulas and human health. Investigate how chemistry functions in your environment, your body, and healthcare. Choose one pathway to earn up to 20 bonus points to be added across your final course grade.
Deadline May 11, 2026
In-Class Submission
Choose Your Pathway
The Infographic
Design a visual graphic explaining the chemistry of a daily product (soap, coffee, plastics).
3 Molecular structures.
Functional Group analysis.
3 Peer-reviewed sources.
Domestic Lab
Identify and explain 5 chemical reactions in your home (cleaning, cooking, rust).
Balanced equations.
Redox or Acid-Base labels.
Original lab photography.
Clinic Deep-Dive
Analyze the molecular mechanism of an OTC or prescription medication.
Lock-and-key mechanism.
Metabolic pathway map.
Drug-drug interactions.
Golden Rules for Success
01
Clarity: Use whitespace effectively. Don't crowd your graphic with massive text blocks.
02
Citations: All sources must be in APA format. Check your DOIs and journal titles.
03
Precision: Ensure all molecular structures have the correct number of bonds. Watch carbon octets!
04
Authenticity: Final output must be your own writing. AI tools are for brainstorming only.
© 2026 Department of Chemistry - Health Sciences Division
Molecular Matters Grading Rubric Mastery Matrix
Extra Credit Grading Rubric
Maximum Score
20 Pts
| Criteria |
Distinguished
4-5 pts
|
Proficient
3 pts
|
Emerging
0-2 pts
|
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|
Scientific Accuracy
Precision of structures and balanced equations.
| All structures and equations are 100% accurate. Advanced terminology used correctly. | Minor errors in bonding or balancing (1-2). Concepts generally sound. | Significant errors in chemical representation. Misunderstanding of core concepts. |
|
Depth of Content
Exploration of biochemical interactions and health impact.
| Thorough investigation of molecular level mechanisms and physiological effects. | Covers required basics but lacks deep biochemical insight or synthesis. | Surface level descriptions only. Minimal explanation of chemical behavior. |
|
Visual Design
Layout, readability, and functional use of visual aids.
| Professional aesthetics. Visuals enhance understanding. Clear hierarchy of info. | Clean and organized. Some visuals are decorative rather than functional. | Cluttered or hard to read. Visuals are missing, blurry, or irrelevant. |
|
Academic Standards
APA citations, grammar, and adherence to project rules.
| Perfect APA citations. No typos. Follows all 4 Golden Rules defined in instructions. | Citations present with minor errors. Adheres to most project guidelines. | Missing citations. Poor grammar. Ignored core project instructions. |
Instructor Evaluation Notes
Final Awarded Score
/20
Molecular Matters Topic Menu The Topic Vault
20 Sparks for Your Chemistry Project
Human Physiology
01
Insulin’s Lock & Key
Regulation of glucose at the molecular level.
02
The Blood Buffer System
How bicarbonate keeps your pH in check.
03
Hemoglobin vs. Myoglobin
A comparative look at oxygen affinity.
04
Dopamine & Reward
The molecular architecture of addiction.
05
The ATP Cycle
Thermodynamic engine of muscle contraction.
Medical & Wellness
06
Antacids & Neutralization
Balancing stomach acid stoichiometry.
07
Antibiotic Resistance
How bacteria neutralize penicillin molecules.
08
mRNA Vaccine Delivery
The chemistry of lipid nanoparticles.
09
Fluoride & Enamel
Ion exchange and structural integrity.
10
Vitamin C & Collagen
Hydroxylation and connective tissue.
Daily Habit Chemistry
11
Caffeine vs. Adenosine
Competitive inhibition of sleep receptors.
12
Soap & Lipid Bilayers
Amphiphilic molecules vs. viral membranes.
13
Sunscreen Chemistry
Photon absorption vs. physical reflection.
14
Hair Dye & Perms
Breaking disulfide bridges in keratin.
15
Lactose Intolerance
Enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds.
The Kitchen Lab
16
The Maillard Reaction
Amino acids + Sugars = Flavor chemistry.
17
Onion Tear Gas
Synthesis of Propanethial S-oxide.
18
Baking Soda vs. Powder
Leavening through CO2 generation.
19
Iron Absorption
Oxalates in spinach vs. Heme iron.
20
Alcohol Metabolism
Acetaldehyde and hangover pathways.
Ready to start? Select your topic and declare it in the course forum.
