English National Curriculum - Science

Covalent bonding

Mission Objectives

Describe the process of covalent bonding

Draw dot and cross diagrams to represent covalent bonding

Explain why covalent molecules form and relate the strength of bonds to chemical stability

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

atoms

the smallest particle of an element that can exist and still have the properties of that element

non-metals

elements found on the right side of the periodic table; they typically gain or share electrons when bonding and are poor conductors of electricity and heat

electrons

negatively charged subatomic particles found in energy levels (shells) around the nucleus of an atom

dot and cross diagram

a way of showing covalent bonding using dots and crosses to represent the outer-shell electrons of different atoms; it helps visualise which atoms are sharing or transferring electrons

covalent bonding

a type of chemical bonding that occurs between non-metal atoms; it involves the sharing of pairs of electrons to achieve a full outer shell and form a molecule

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.

In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.

She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

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