How to Build a Model of an Atom for a Science Project

Show the atomic structure of an element as your science project. The center of the atom is the nucleus, containing protons and neutrons. The Bohr model of the atom describes a configuration of electrons in three-dimensional orbits of varying energy levels around the nucleus. You can create a model of an atom with a simplified Bohr representation of electrons using supplies from craft and hobby stores for a science project. While the model itself can depict the atom, adding posters about your model will transform your craft to a science project.

Things You'll Need

• Periodic table
• Cotton pom-poms (two colors)
• Craft glue
• Shallow, clear plastic bowl or cup
• Soft fiber filling
• Beads or pellets
• Optional: Thread or yarn

Instructions

1. Determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons for your element from information in the periodic table of the elements.

2. Collect the required number of pom-poms for protons and neutrons. For example, carbon contains six protons and six neutrons; six red pom-poms and six yellow pom-poms would designate protons and neutrons respectively.

3. Collect the required number of beads or pellets for electrons and set them aside. For example, because carbon contains six electrons, you'd set aside six beads.

4. Glue the proton and neutron pom-poms together to form a ball (nucleus); allow the glue to dry.

5. Glue the pom-pom nucleus to the bottom of a clear, shallow cup and allow it to dry.

6. Glue a thick layer of fiber filling around the outside of the cup to represent the cloud of energy around the nucleus.

7. Glue the beads at various locations on the fiber filling to represent electrons in varying electron levels or shells.

8. Attach thread or yarn to the cup if you'd like to hang the display.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider constructing models of isotopes to show the differences (isotopes have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons).

• Consider gluing two small pieces of yarn to each proton pom-pom to form a "+" sign to identify polarity.

References

• Jefferson Lab (JLab.org): Model of an Atom
• NDT-Ed.org: Atom Models

Resources

• University of Illinois Dept. of Physics: Atomic Models