The Tactile Ionic Bonding Kit is an interactive model that makes the concept of ionic bonding tangible. Flexible foam subunits demonstrate how oppositely charged ions form bonds, making complex science accessible to all students.
The Tactile Ionic Bonding Kit is a tactile model system designed to introduce ionic bonding to blind and low vision students. This kit features flexible foam subunits to represent elemental atoms, with each piece labelled in large print and braille for easy identification. Each piece lists the element’s name, the atomic symbol, and the atomic number. These jigsaw-like pieces in yellow and blue fit together to demonstrate how two oppositely charged ions can bond to form an ionic compound—yellow pieces with tabs indicate an element that donates electrons and the blue notched subunits that represent elements that accept electrons. Perfect for introducing the basics of atomic bonding, this kit is an excellent precursor to more advanced models, like Azer’s Interactive Periodic Table Study Set.
This product meets the following Next Generation Science Standards:
HS-PS1-2 Matter and its Interactions
Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties. (NGSS Lead States. 2013. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States. Washington, DC; The National Academies press.)
UEB and Nemeth versions of the product subunits
Subunits represent 17 different elements
34 "blanks" to allow teachers to design subunits for additional elements, including monovalent, divalent, and trivalent atoms
Product guidebook available in large print, accessible PDF, and BRF versions
Large print guidebook
12 monovalent cation subunits (single tab)
9 divalent cation subunits (two tabs)
4 trivalent cation subunits (three tabs)
16 monovalent anion subunits (one notch)
6 divalent anion subunits (two notches)
6 trivalent anion subunits (three notches)
34 blank subunits
Carrying box with a handle
Here’s what our field testers had to say about Tactile Ionic Bonding Kit:
“The puzzle pieces are a genius and simplified way of visualizing this bonding.”
“Most definitely this should be marketed. The prototype proved to us that it is a valuable tool for our blind/low vision learners to gain a better understanding of ionic bonding.
“The kids were really interested in them and it made it more concrete and fun!”
“This is a wonderful representation of the bonding and how it works.”
