By combining their chemistry studies, imagination, and craft supplies, Nate Query's sophomore scientists transformed scientific concepts into three-dimensional models. Styrofoam, cardboard, and paper became demonstrations of molecule pathways, water cycles, and other chemical phenomena in the North Salem High School science lab.

Sean and Addy's bold vision involved illuminating a mobile-like periodic table. "Each cube represents one element. As you rotate each cube, it shows information about that element," said Sean while stringing the cubes together. Addy plans to embed colored lights inside the cubes to represent element groupings, adding a glow to their creation.

"We are making a compound of ionic and covalent bonds," said Bella, showing her teams' styrofoam models. "Each color represents a different element, and the pieces in between represent the bonds, either a regular bond or a double bond."

Nearby, Alex's group used toothpicks and styrofoam to create intricate shapes that swayed within a cardboard box.

"We are making a diorama of an electron orbital for the element scandium, which will show the pathways the electrons follow," said Alex. "Scandium has a little sphere, and it has dumbbell shapes on the side of it, and then it has a huge donut around it all. We know what it should look like, but it's been challenging to put it together that way," he said.

Although the projects varied from microscopic orbitals to atmospheric processes, the students all shared a passion for using their hands to make these invisible phenomena visible.

"I like to see what I'm learning," said Sean as he gently spun a paper cube. "This project helps me understand the concepts."