How to Build a Model of a Buckyball

The buckyball is a molecule made of 60 carbon atoms joined together in a pattern that resembles a soccer ball. Its correct scientific name is buckminsterfullerene, named after architect Buckminster Fuller, famous for his geodesic domes. Nano-scientists have been increasingly interested in these bizarre molecules and think they might be very useful in nano-science applications someday. You can build your own buckyball model using toothpicks and candy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box of Jujubes candy
• Box of round toothpicks
• Large bowl

1. Purchase Jujubes candies. This brand is recommended because of its tough texture. Other types of candy, such as marshmallows or jelly beans, will be either too soft or too crumbly and the model won't hold its shape. If you can't find Jujubes, try using small gourmet jelly beans and just be very careful when inserting the toothpicks.

2. 

   Make a pentagon by using five candies and five toothpicks, then make 11 more of these so that you have a total of 12 pentagons.

3. 

   Take three pentagons and arrange them so that they form a hexagon in the middle. Use three more toothpicks to secure them into position.

4. 

   Use more toothpicks to extend this pattern, making sure that each pentagon is surrounded by hexagons.

5. 

   Place the model in a large bowl. This will help you greatly as you try to form the model into a sphere.

6. Keep attaching pentagons, always making sure that each pentagon is surrounded by hexagons. Don't use anymore candies, just more toothpicks. The shape will naturally close in at the top as you continue to use the pattern of pentagons surrounded by hexagons.

7. 

   Make final adjustments so that your finished model is spherical.