Chemical jigsaws offer a highly effective method of teaching chemical formulae and equations. Each jigsaw uses a number of interlocking pieces with plus signs and arrows that enable students to build representations of covalent and ionic compounds and also to model equations. Classroom trials show that using the jigsaw kits creates a number of advantages over more traditional approaches to teaching and learning.

• 12 hydrogen atoms (small, white)
• 20 oxygen atoms (red)
• 8 carbon atoms (black)
• 2 nitrogen atoms (blue)
• 8 chlorine atoms (green)
• 2 bromine atoms (brown)
• 2 iodine atoms (purple)
• 2 flourine atoms (small, green)
• 1 sulfur atom (yellow)
• 1 phosphorus atom (pale blue)
• 1 silicon atom (grey)
• 20 single bonds
• 22 ‘double’ bonds
• Total number of pieces = 101 (42 bonds and 59 atoms)