Atomic Model Project
1st six weeks
PROJECT 5 – ATOMIC MODELS
BACKGROUND:
We have learned about atomic structure, what atoms are made of and
how they look. Now it is time to build a model of an atom.
ASSIGNMENT
You will be assigned an element. You will build a 3-D representation of one atom
of that element, no “flat” models will be allowed. You must use materials other
than paper (Styrofoam balls, wood, balloons, food, pipe cleaners). Separate
colors must be used for each part of the atom. A color key must accompany your
project. Also a 2 paragraph essay must accompany your project.
 Your essay should include a detailed description about the
element that was assigned to you.
 Your essay should include the following:
o The name of the element
o How the electrons are arranged around the nucleus
o Interesting properties that the element contains.
o Who discovered the element
o Where the element can be found
o What the element is used for
o DO NOT cut and paste information from websites!
The atomic model must be scientifically accurate!
* The model should have the proper number of protons, neutrons and electrons.
The atomic model must be properly labeled
ASSESSMENT
Your model will be graded on the following criteria:
 creativity, imagination and scientific accuracy.
 Your model will be a major exam grade.
 25 points – essay
 75 points – model
DUE DATES:
Project is due on October 27th but can be turned in any day before that.
 Don’t wait until the last minute!
 Use your imagination and creativity!
 You DO NOT have to go out and buy anything! Use supplies around
your house.
Atomic Model Project Rubric
Name: _________________Class:__________Element:____________
MODEL
ACCURACY
20: The
number of
protons,
neutrons and
electrons are
correct.
DESIGN/MATERIALS
COLOR KEY
ACCURACY
20: The color key
is easy to read,
clearly identified,
and all parts are
present and
correct.
TIMELINESS
20: Well constructed,
demonstrates creative
use of materials, and is
a reasonable size.
15: There is an
error in ONE
of the atom
particle totals.
15: Generally well
constructed, creative
use of materials, and is
reasonable size.
15: Key is easy to
read, clearly
identified, with 1-2
errors in the
required
information.
15: The student
submits the
assignment 1 day
late.
10: There is an
error in TWO
of the atom
particle totals.
10: Construction, OR
use of materials, OR
size does not meet
expectations.
10: Key generally
easy to read,
clearly identified
with 3-4 errors in
the required
information.
10: The student
submits the
assignment 2 days
late.
5: All three
atom particle
totals are
incorrect.
5: Overall failure to
meet expectations;
haphazard material use
and lack of effort is
evident
5: Key may be
difficult to read, is
not clearly
identified, or
contains 5 or more
information errors.
5: The student
submits the
assignment 3 days
(or more) late.
20: The student
completed and
submitted the
project on or
before the
required date.
Points:
Total:
ESSAY
20: The
student
effectively
discussed
the element
in detail
and
included all
required
information.
15: The
student
discussed
the element
and
included all
required
information.
10: The
student
discussed
the element
but did not
include all
the
required
information.
5: The
student did
not meet
the 300
word
minimum, or
plagiarized
most of the
work.