Topics such as atomic structure, organisation of the Periodic Table, covalent bonding, crystal lattices and intermolecular forces of attraction are fundamental to understanding chemistry, but many students find them difficult to grasp.  This workshop introduces a range of educational models and presents some demonstrations that aim to improve understanding.  Participants will use models to explore atomic structure, then move on to look at covalent and ionic bonding, as well as hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces.  This will lead to an explanation of how these various interactions are responsible the structure and function of important biopolymers such as DNA and proteins.