Model Kit for Ionic Compounds

Abstract

A system and method for guided or unguided instruction, comprising a color, or/and a tactilely coded list of most common ions, and a set, of blocks corresponding to a chart, sufficient to represent formula units in any possible combination of ions coded in the chart, is provided. A valid ionic compound (formula unit) model constructed with the present invention is represented by a rectangular, or cuboid, shape having six sides and eight corners and no more than two ionic types represented by blocks having ionic coding.

Claims

1. A cuboid model kit for representing validly constructed ionic compounds, the kit comprising: a first square cuboid model representing (+1) cation, wherein the first square cuboid model comprises: a well positioned at the center of one face of the first square cuboid model; a second square cuboid model representing (1) anion, wherein the second square cuboid model comprises: a post positioned at the center of one face of the second square cuboid model; wherein the first square cuboid model and the second square cuboid model are dimensionally equal, except for wells and posts, respectively; a third rectangular cuboid model representing (+2) cation, wherein the third rectangular cuboid model comprises: two wells positioned on one face of the third rectangular cuboid model; a fourth rectangular cuboid model representing (2) anion, wherein the fourth rectangular cuboid model comprises: two posts positioned on one face of the fourth rectangular cuboid model; wherein the third and the fourth rectangular cuboid models are twice the dimensional length of the first or second square cuboid models; a fifth rectangular cuboid model representing (3) anion, wherein the fifth rectangular cuboid model comprises: three posts positioned on one face of the fifth rectangular cuboid model; a sixth rectangular cuboid model representing (+3) cation, wherein the sixth rectangular cuboid model comprises: three wells positioned on one face of the sixth rectangular cuboid model; wherein the fifth and the sixth rectangular cuboid models are thrice the dimensional length of the first or second square cuboid models; a seventh rectangular cuboid model representing (4) anion, wherein the seventh rectangular cuboid model comprises: four posts positioned on one face of the seventh rectangular cuboid model; an eighth rectangular cuboid model representing (+4) cation, wherein the eighth rectangular cuboid model comprises: four wells positioned on one face of the eighth rectangular cuboid model; and wherein the seventh and the eighth rectangular cuboid models are four times the dimensional length of the first or second square cuboid models.

2. The cuboid model kit in claim 1, wherein the cuboid models are visually coded to stimulate visual learning modality when a valid ionic compound is constructed, wherein: the first and the second cuboid models are color coded a first color; the third and the fourth rectangular cuboid models are color coded a second color; the fifth and the sixth rectangular cuboid models are color coded a third color; and the seventh and the eighth rectangular cuboid models are color coded a fourth color.

3. The cuboid model kit in claim 1, wherein the cuboid models are tactilely coded to stimulate tactile learning modality when a valid ionic compound is constructed, wherein: the first and second cuboid models are embossed with at least one first charge identifying device; the third and the fourth rectangular cuboid models are embossed with at least one second charge identifying device; the fifth and sixth cuboid models are embossed with at least one third charge identifying device; and the seventh and the eighth rectangular cuboid models are embossed with at least one fourth charge identifying device.

4. The cuboid model kit as in claim 3 wherein; the first and second cuboid models are engraved with at least one first charge identifying device; the third and the fourth rectangular cuboid models are engraved with at least one second charge identifying device, the fifth and sixth cuboid models are engraved with at least one third charge identifying device; and the seventh and the eighth rectangular cuboid models are engraved with at least one fourth charge identifying device.

5. The cuboid model kit as in claim 4 wherein the at least one first charge identifying, device comprises a plurality of depressions.

6. The cuboid model kit as in claim 5 wherein the plurality of depressions conveys coded information about the first or second cuboid model.

7. The cuboid model kit as in claim 4 wherein the at least one second alignment groove comprises a plurality of depressions.

8. The cuboid model kit as in claim 7 wherein the plurality of depressions conveys coded information about the first or second rectangular cuboid model.

9. The cuboid model kit as in claim 1 wherein the cations and anions are oppositely magnetized to stimulate tactile learning modality.

10. A cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model, the model comprising: first and second models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively; third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively; fifth and sixth models representing (+3) cation and (3) anion, respectively; seventh and eighth models representing (+4) cation and (4) anion, respectively; and wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth models are dimensionally related cuboids, wherein two of the cuboid dimensions are identical and a third is proportional with the charge of the represented ion.

11. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 10 wherein; the first and second, models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively, each comprise: a first visual coding for stimulating visual learning, modality, wherein the first visual coding comprises: a first, color coding; the third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively, each comprise: a second visual coding for stimulating visual learning modality, wherein the second visual coding comprises: a second color coding; the fifth and sixth models representing (+3) cation and (3) anion, respectively, each comprise: a third visual coding for stimulating visual learning modality, wherein the third visual coding comprises: a third color coding; the seventh and eighth models representing (+4) cation and (4) anion, respectively, each comprise: a fourth visual coding for stimulating visual learning modality, wherein the fourth visual coding comprises: a fourth color coding.

12. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 11 wherein: the first and second models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 1-unit cuboid, wherein the (+1) cation unit cuboid comprises: one first well and the (1) anion unit cuboid comprises: one first post; the third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively, each comprise a 2-unit cuboid, wherein the (+2) cation 2-unit, cuboid comprises: two second wells and the (2) anion 2-unit cuboid comprises: two second posts; the fifth and sixth models representing (+3) cation and (3) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 3-unit cuboid, wherein the (+3) cation 3-unit cuboid comprises: three third wells and the (3) anion 3-unit cuboid comprises: three third posts; the seventh and eighth models representing (+4) cation and (4) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 4-unit cuboid, wherein the (+4) cation 4-unit cuboid comprises: four fourth wells and the (4) anion 4-unit cuboid comprises: four fourth posts; and wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth models are adaptable to fit together to form a tactile cuboid having 6 faces and 8 corners, the tactile cuboid having one or two color coding therein representing a valid ionic compound.

13. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 10 wherein: the first and second models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively, each comprise: a first tactile coding for stimulating tactile learning modality, wherein the first tactile coding comprises: a first tactile coding, wherein the first tactile coding comprises: a first alignment groove; the third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively, each comprise: a second tactile coding for stimulating tactile learning modality, wherein the second tactile coding comprises: and a second tactile coding, wherein the second tactile code comprises: a second alignment groove,

14. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 10 wherein: the first and second models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 1-unit cuboid, wherein the (+1) cation unit cuboid comprises: one first well and the (1) anion unit cuboid comprises one first post the third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 2-unit cuboid, wherein the (+2) cation 2-unit cuboid comprises: two second wells and the (2) anion 2-unit cuboid comprises: two second posts; the fifth and sixth models representing (+3) cation and (3) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 3-unit cuboid, wherein the (+3) cation 3-unit cuboid comprises: three third wells and the (3) anion 3-unit cuboid comprises: three third posts; the seventh and eighth models representing (+4) cation and (4) anion, respectively, each comprise: a 4-unit cuboid, wherein the (+4) cation 4-unit cuboid comprises four fourth wells and the (4) anion 4-unit cuboid comprises: four fourth posts; and wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth models are adaptable to form a tactile cuboid having 6 faces and 8 corners, the tactile cuboid having aligned alignment grooves therein representing a valid ionic compound.

15. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 14 wherein the first and second alignment grooves each comprise: a plurality of coded depressions, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth models are adaptable to form a tactile cuboid having 6 faces and 8 corners, the tactile cuboid aligned according to the plurality of coded depressions.

16. A cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model, the model comprising; first and second models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively, wherein each comprise: a first visual coding for stimulating visual learning modality, wherein the first visual coding comprises: a first color coding and wherein each first and second models comprise: a 1-unit cuboid, wherein the (+1) cation unit cuboid comprises: one first well and the (1) anion, unit, cuboid comprises: one first post; third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively, wherein each comprise: a second visual coding for stimulating visual learning modality, wherein the second visual coding comprises: a second color coding and wherein each third and fourth models comprise: a 2-unit cuboid, wherein the (+2) cation 2-unit cuboid comprises: two second wells and the (2) anion 2-unit cuboid comprises: two second posts; fifth and sixth models representing (+3) cation and (3) anion, respectively, wherein each comprise: a third visual coding for stimulating visual learning, modality, wherein the third visual coding comprises: a third color coding, and wherein each fifth and sixth models comprise: a 3-unit cuboid, wherein the (+3) cation 3-unit cuboid comprises: three third wells and the (3) anion 3-unit cuboid comprises: three third posts; seventh and eighth models representing (+4) cation and (4) anion, respectively, wherein each comprise: a fourth visual coding for stimulating visual learning modality, wherein the fourth visual coding comprises: a fourth color coding, and wherein each seventh and eighth models comprise: a 4-unit cuboid, wherein the (+4) cation 4-unit cuboid comprises: four fourth wells and the (4) anion 4-unit cuboid comprises: four fourth posts; and wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth models are adaptable to fit together to form a completed cuboid representing a valid ionic compound.

17. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 16 wherein: the first and second, models representing (+1) cation and (1) anion, respectively, each comprise: a first tactile coding for stimulating tactile learning modality, wherein the first tactile coding comprises: a first alignment groove; and the third and fourth models representing (+2) cation and (2) anion, respectively, each comprise: a second tactile coding for stimulating tactile learning modality, wherein the second tactile coding comprises: a second alignment groove.

18. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 17 wherein the first and second alignment grooves each comprise: a plurality of coded depressions, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth models are adaptable to form a tactile cuboid having 6 faces and 8 corners, the tactile cuboid aligned according to the plurality of coded depressions.

19. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 16 wherein the completed cuboid representing a valid ionic compound has no visible wells or posts.

20. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 16, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth models each comprise: a signed number representing the ionic charge represented by the model; and wherein the signed numbers of a completed cuboid representing a valid ionic compound will sum to zero.

21. The cross-learning modality ionic compound representation model as in claim 16, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth models each comprise: + or signs, in a number equal to the ionic charge represented by the model; and wherein the total number of + signs and the total number of signs for a completed cuboid representing, a valid ionic compound would be equal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective views of a positively charged square cuboid model (+1) cation and a negatively charged square cuboid model (1) anion, respectively;

[0028] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are perspective views of a positively charged rectangular cuboid model (+2) cation and a negatively charged rectangular cuboid model (2) anion, respectively;

[0029] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are perspective views of a positively charged rectangular cuboid model (+3) cation and a negatively charged rectangular cuboid model (3) anion, respectively;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a pictorial block model example of the ionic compound between a (+2)-cation and two (1) anions (e.g. calcium (calcium ion (+2)) and chlorine (chloride ion(1));

[0031] FIG. 5 is a pictorial block model example of a positively charged (+1) ion coupled with a negatively charged (1) ion (e.g. sodium (sodium ion (+1)) and chlorine (chloride ion (1));

[0032] FIG. 6 is a pictorial block model example of three blocks representing one-charged ions electrically balanced by a single block three-charged ion (+ or 3);

[0033] FIG. 7 is a pictorial block model example of a positively charged (+2) ion coupled with a negatively charged (2) ion;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a pictorial block model example of a positively charged (+3) ion coupled with a negatively charged (3) ion;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a pictorial block model example of an invalid ionic construct having two dissimilar cations (or anions);

[0036] FIG. 10 is a list of monatomic and of polyatomic ions representable by the ion block models.

[0037] FIGS. 11A and 11B are bottom views of the positively charged block model (+1) cation and a negatively charged block model (1) anion, respectively, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

[0038] FIGS. 12A and 12B are bottom views of the positively charged block model (+2) cation and a negatively charged block model (2) anion, respectively, shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B;

[0039] FIGS. 13A and 13B are bottom views of the positively charged block, model (+3) cation and a negatively charged block model (3) anion, respectively, shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B;

[0040] FIGS. 14A and 14B are bottom views of the positively charged block model (+3) cation and a negatively charged block model (3) anion, respectively, shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in which the separate charges are engraved as signed numbers;

[0041] FIGS. 15A and 15 B are top and bottom views of a pictorial block model example of three blocks representing one-charged () ion each and electrically balanced by a single block three charged ion (+),

[0042] FIG. 16A and FIG. 17A are perspective views of a positively charged block model (+4) cation and a negatively charged block model (4) anion, respectively; and

[0043] FIGS. 16B and 17B are bottom views of the positively charged block model (+4) cation and a negatively charged block model (4) anion, respectively, shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 17A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

[0045] The term comprising means including but not, limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

[0046] The phrases in one embodiment, according to one embodiment, and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

[0047] If the specification describes something as exemplary or an example, it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example; and

[0048] If the specification states a component or feature may, can, could, should, preferably, possibly, typically, optionally, for example, or might (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic.

[0049] Referring now to the figures it is shown that the present invention includes a system of complementary blocks for modeling the formula unit of ionic compounds. Blocks representing anions are shown in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 17A, and 3B as blocks with posts (e.g. FIGS. 1B-3B). Blocks representing cations are shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 16A, and 3A as blocks with wells (e.g. FIGS. 1A-3A). The blocks are also coded, e.g., color coded, to visually represent, the ion's electrical charge (+/1, +/2, +/3, and +/4), or coded by engraving or embossing for tactile representation (see FIG. 4, G1, G2). A valid model representation of an ionic compound may have up to two colors and must be electrically neutral. In other words, the number of posts must equal the number of wells.

[0050] Referring also to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B there are shown perspective views of a positively charged block model (+1) cation and a negatively charged (1) anion block model, respectively. It will be appreciated the block models may be any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. Still referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, well 1A1 is located on a face of block 1A2 such that the well aligns with post 1B1 located on block 1B2. It will be appreciated that the block models may be coded (e.g., color coded) to visually represent the ionic charge. For example, the +1, 1 model blocks may be color coded blue. In alternate embodiments the cation (wells) and anion (posts) blocks may be oppositely magnetized to provide tactile representation of the electrostatic force coupling the ions to form the ionic compound. It will be appreciated that the size of the +1 cation and 1 anion are substantially the same size for all dimensions and are the dimension reference blocks for the (+2, 2), (+3, 3), and (+4,4) ions.

[0051] Referring also to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B there are shown perspective views of a positively charged block model (42) cation and a negatively charged (2) anion block model, respectively. It will be appreciated the block models may be any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. Still referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, well 2A1 is located on a face of block 2A such that the well aligns with post 2B1 located on block 2B. Likewise, well 2A2 is located on a face of block 2A such that the well aligns with post 2B2 located on block 2B. It will be appreciated that each positively charged block model (+2) cation and a negatively charged (2) anion block model is substantially twice the length of the +1 cation or 1 anion block models, and the same height and width. It will be appreciated that the block models may be coded (e.g., color coded) to visually or tactilely represent the ionic charge. For example, the +2, 2 model blocks may be color coded yellow. It will also be appreciated that for alternate embodiments the cation and anion blocks may be oppositely magnetized to provide tactile representation, of the electrostatic force coupling the ions to form the ionic compound. The posts on any of the blocks 1B-3B and 17A would complement any of the wells in any of the blocks 1A-3A and 16A, as far as size and position are concerned.

[0052] Referring also to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B there are shown perspective views of a positively charged block model (+3) cation and a negatively charged (3) anion block model, respectively. It will be appreciated the block models may be any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. Still referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, well 3A1 is located on a face of block 3A4 such that the well aligns with post 3B1 located on block 3B4. Likewise, well 3A2 is located on a face of block 3A4 such that the well aligns with post 3B2 located on block 3B4. Similarly, well 3A3 aligns with post 3B3. It will be appreciated that each positively charged block model (+3) cation and a negatively charged (3) anion block model is substantially thrice the length of the +1 cation or 1 anion block models, respectively. It will be appreciated that the block models may be coded. For example, the blocks may be color coded to visually represent the ionic charge, and/or embossed or engraved for tactile representation (grooves, depressions). The grooves and/or depressions may be coded to represent information about the block (e.g., Braille code). For example, the +3, 3 model blocks may be color coded purple. It will also be appreciated that for alternate embodiments the cation and anion blocks may be oppositely magnetized to provide tactile representation of the electrostatic force coupling the ions to form the ionic compound.

[0053] Referring also to FIG. 16A and FIG. 17A there are shown perspective views of a positively charged block model (+4) cation and a negatively charged (4) anion block model, respectively. It will be appreciated the block models may be any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. Still referring to FIG. 16A and FIG. 17A, well 171 is located on a face of block 172 such that the well aligns with post 182 located on block 181. It will be appreciated that each positively charged block model (+4) cation, and a negatively charged (4) anion block model is substantially four times the length of the +1 cation or 1 anion block models, respectively. It will be appreciated that the block models may be coded. For example, the blocks may be color coded to visually represent the ionic charge, and/or embossed or engraved for tactile representation (grooves, depressions). The grooves and/or depressions may be coded to represent information about the block (e.g., Braille code). For example, the +4, 4 model blocks may be color coded red. It will also be appreciated that for alternate embodiments the cation and anion blocks may be oppositely magnetized to provide tactile representation of the electrostatic force coupling the ions to form the ionic compound.

[0054] As shown herein a valid representation of a formula unit uses a combination of the ion block models, assembled according to the following criteria: [0055] a. The model of the formula unit has a rectangular cuboid shape (eight corners, six sides). This ensures that the formula unit has a zero-net charge or electrically neutral. [0056] b. The model of the formula unit has one or, at most, two ion charge types. These criteria ensure that the formula unit comprises one type of cation and one type of anion.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the resulting cuboid shape represents an electrically neutral ionic compound and not a valence bonded compound or other chemical action. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the physical ionic charge, representations are either wells or posts, and that when a valid ionic compound is modeled as described herein, neither the wells nor posts are visible.

[0058] Referring also to FIG. 4 there is shown a pictorial block model example of the ionic compound made of one (+2) block and two (1) blocks (e.g. calcium (calcium ion (+2)) and chlorine (chloride ion (1) to form calcium chloride). In this representation the chloride ions are represented by blocks 1B2 and the calcium ion is represented by block 2A3. It will be appreciated that the two chloride ions, each having a 1 charge electrically balance the calcium ion having a +2 charge.

[0059] Also shown in FIG. 4 is tactile learner modality device G1 The tactile learner modality device G1 may be any suitable device such as alignment grooves which align with other tactile learner modality device G1s when a valid ionic compound representation is constructed. The tactile learner modality device G1 may include depressed coding which serves two purposes: one alignment with other G1 coding and coding conveying information about the block (e.g., Braille code representing type (cation or anion) and charge).

[0060] Still referring to FIG. 4 there is shown tactile learner modality device G2. The tactile learner modality device G2 may be any suitable device such as alignment grooves which misalign with tactile learner modality device G1s when an invalid ionic compound representation is constructed. The tactile learner modality device G2 may include depressed coding which serves two purposes: one misalignment with G1 coding and coding conveying information about the block (e.g., Braille code representing type (cation or anion) and charge).

[0061] Referring also to FIG. 5 there is shown a pictorial block model example of a positively charged (+1) ion IA coupled with a negatively charged (1) ion 1B (e.g. sodium (sodium ion, Na.sup.+), and chlorine (chloride ion, Cl.sup.) to form sodium chloride (NaCl)). It will be appreciated that each of the ions are similarly coded to represent the single electron charge.

[0062] Referring also to FIG. 6 there is shown a pictorial block model example of three negatively charged ions 1B electrically balanced by a single block representing a charged ion (+3), 3A. It will be appreciated that FIG. 6 is a valid ionic compound construct: only two block codes (in this example hash marks and slanted lines), eight corners (only four showing for simplicity), and six faces.

[0063] Referring also to FIG. 7 there is shown a pictorial block model example of a positively charged (+2) ion, 2A, coupled with a negatively charged (2) ion, 2B, FIG. 7 is also a valid ionic compound construct: one block code (vertical lines), eight corners, and six faces,

[0064] Referring also to FIG. 8 there is shown a pictorial block model example of a positively charged (+3) ion, 3A, coupled with a negatively charged (3) ion, 3B. FIG. 8 is also a valid ionic compound construct: one block code (hash lines), eight corners, and six faces.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a pictorial block model example of an invalid ionic construct having two dissimilar cations (or anions) and an anion (or cation). As shown in FIG. 9 this ionic compound construct fails the ionic construction criteria: more than two coded ion blocks (slants, vertical lines, and hash lines).

[0066] It will be appreciated that approximately thirty-five hundred ionic compounds may be represented by the ion block models shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. The ions that may be represented by the ion block models are shown m FIG. 10.

[0067] It will be appreciated that the blocks may be manufactured from any suitable material such as, for example, wood, or plastic. In addition, the blocks may be any suitable size constrained only by the following dimension rules. The length of a 2 charge, positive or negative, block model (FIGS. 2A, 2B) must be substantially twice the length of a 1 charge, positive or negative, block model (FIGS. 1A, 1B). The length of a 3 charge, positive or negative, block model (FIGS. 3A, 3B) must be substantially three times the length of a 1 charge, positive or negative, block model (FIGS. 1A, 1B). The length of a 4 charge, positive or negative, block model (FIGS. 16A, 17A) must be substantially four times the length of a 1 charge, positive or negative, block model (FIGS. 1A, 1B). The other two dimensions (width, height) must be substantially the same for all block models. In addition, the posts and wells for each block model must be symmetrically located such that posts from one block will align with wells from another block.

[0068] Referring also to FIGS. 11A and 11B there are shown bottom views (1A21, 1B21) of the positively charged block model (+1) cation 1A2 and a negatively charged block model (1) anion 1B2, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Still referring to FIG. 11A there is shown the ionic charge as a symbol + 1A23 and a numeral representation 1 1A22 representing, the magnitude of the charge. Similarly, FIG. 11B illustrates the ionic charge as a symbol 1B23 and a numeral representation 1 1B22 representing the magnitude of the charge.

[0069] Referring also to FIGS. 12A and 12B there are shown bottom views (2A31, 2B31) of the positively charged block model (+2) cation 2A3 and a negatively charged block model (2) anion 2B3, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Still referring to FIG. 12A there is shown the ionic charge as a symbol + 2A23 and a numeral representation 2 2A22 representing the magnitude of the charge. Similarly, FIG. 12B illustrates the ionic charge as a symbol 1B23 and a numeral representation 2 2B22 representing the magnitude of the charge.

[0070] Referring also to FIGS. 13A and 13B there are shown bottom views (3A41, 3B41) of the positively charged block model (+3) cation 3A4 and a negatively charged block model (3) anion 3B4, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Still referring to FIG. 13A there is shown the ionic charge as a symbol + 3A23 and a numeral representation 3 3A22 representing the magnitude of the charge. Similarly, FIG. 12B illustrates the ionic charge as a symbol 3B23 and a numeral representation 3 3B22 representing the magnitude of the charge.

[0071] Referring also to FIGS. 14A and 14B there are shown bottom views (3A41, 3B41) of the, positively charged block model (+3) cation 3A4 and a negatively charged block model (3) anion 3B4, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Still referring to FIG. 14A there is shown the ionic charge as a symbol + 3A42 three times, thus representing the magnitude of the charge. Similarly, FIG. 12B illustrates the ionic charge as a symbol 3B42 three times, thus representing the magnitude of the charge.

[0072] Referring also to FIGS. 15A and 15B are shown top and bottom views of a pictorial block model example of three blocks representing one-charged () ion each (1B21) and a single block three-charged ion (+) 3A4. It will be appreciated that the charges shown on the top and bottom views of a valid ionic compound must balance or sum to zero to represent a valid electrically neutral valid ionic compound.

[0073] Referring also to FIG. 16A and FIG. 17A are perspective views of a positively charged block model (+4) cation 172 and a negatively charged block model (4) anion 181, respectively. The positive charge of block 172 is determined by the number of wells 171 or holes. The negative charge of block 181 is determined by the number of posts 182.

[0074] Referring also to FIGS. 16B and 17B are bottom views (17B2, 18B2) of the positively charged block model (+4) cation 172 and a negatively charged block model (4) anion 181, respectively, shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 17A.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the invention presented herein represents a system and method for teaching ionic bonding across visual and tactile learning modalities (perception, memory, and sensation). Visual modality is addressed by visually coding the cuboid models. For example, the +1 cations and 1 anions may be color coded differently than the +2 cations and 2 anions, and the +3 cations and 3 anions, and the +4 cations and 4 anions Also, according to the rules of construction previously discussed, no more than two colors may be used to construct a valid ionic compound.

[0076] Similarly, tactile learning modalities are addressed by alignment grooves (FIGS. 4-7: G1, G2) and/or aligned coded depressions (e.g., Braille code) and/or magnetic attraction or repulsion. Also, a tactile learning modality is intrinsic part of the system, through the charges engraved on the bottom of the blocks.

[0077] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is, intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, any complementary shape of posts and wells may be used, e.g., triangular, oval, square, or hexagonal. Similarly the blocks and posts may be composed of any suitable material such as wood, plastic, or composites, for example; or, a combination of said materials. Similarly, the posts and corresponding wells may be suitably located anywhere on the face of a block, e.g., other than face center