Model of an Atom Project
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20 Points (As a Test Grade)
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Due: Wednesday, October 21, 2015
How Do I Make a Model of an Atom?
This is a diagram of a helium atom, which has 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons. It's one of the
simplest atoms to model. Atoms are the smallest units that retain the properties of an element, and
the building blocks of matter. Here's how to make a model of an atom.
1. Learn the Parts of the Atom
The first step is to learn the parts of an atom so you know how the model should look.
 Atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
 A simple traditional atom contains an equal number of each type of particle.
Helium, for example, is shown using 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons.
 Protons & Neutrons cluster together around the nucleus of the atom.
 Protons (+) Positive
 Electrons (-) Negative
 Neutrons (N) Neutral
The form of an atom is due to the electric charge of its parts. Each proton has one positive charge.
Each electron has one negative charge. Each neutron is neutral or carries no electric charge.
Like charges repel each other while opposite charges attract each other, so you might expect the
protons and electrons to stick to each other. That's not how it works out, because there is a force that
holds protons and neutrons together.
The electrons are attracted to the core of protons/neutrons, but it's like being in orbit around the
Earth. You are attracted to the Earth by gravity, but when you're in orbit, you perpetually fall around
the planet rather than down to the surface. Similarly, electrons orbit around the nucleus. Even if they
fall toward it, they are moving too fast to 'stick'. Sometimes electrons get enough energy to break free
or the nucleus attracts additional electrons. These behaviors are the basis for why chemical reactions
occur!
Model of an Atom Project
·
20 Points (As a Test Grade)
·
Due: Wednesday, October 21, 2015
2. Find Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons

You can use any materials that you can stick together with sticks, glue, or tape. Here are some
ideas:
ping pong balls
gumdrops
foam balls
clay or dough
marshmallows
paper circles (taped to paper)
If you can, use three different colors, each representing protons, neutrons, and electrons. If you're trying
to be as realistic as possible, it's worth knowing protons and neutrons are about the same size as each other,
while electrons are much smaller. Presently, it is believed each particle is round.
3. Assemble the Model

The nucleus or core of each atom consists of protons and neutrons.
o Make the nucleus by sticking protons and neutrons to each other.
o For a helium nucleus, for example, you would stick 2 protons and 2 neutrons together.

The force that holds the particles together is invisible.
o You can stick them together using glue or whatever is handy.

Electrons orbit around the nucleus.
o Each electron carries a negative electrical charge that repels other electrons, so most models
show the electrons spaced as far apart from each other as possible.
o Also, the distance of the electrons from the nucleus is organized into "shells" that contain a set
number of electrons.
o The inner shell holds a maximum of two electrons.

For a helium atom, place two electrons the same distance from the nucleus, but on opposite sides of it.
o Here are some materials you could attach the electrons to the nucleus:
invisible nylon fishing line, string, toothpicks, drinking straws
4. Choose from one the following 4 different elements to make a model at HOME:
Each atom must have 3 parts (with the exception of hydrogen): (protons, neutrons, and electrons).
Elements:
Hydrogen (Atomic Number 1) =
(1 Proton & 1 Electron)
(0 Neutrons)
Hydrogen is use in welding and for the hydrogenation of fats and oils. Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable. Other applications include producing rocket fuel, making fuel cells, & producing
hydrochloric acid.
Model of an Atom Project
·
20 Points (As a Test Grade)
·
Due: Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Helium (Atomic Number 2) = (2 Protons & 2 Electrons)
(2 Neutrons)
Most helium is obtained by extracting it from natural gas. Inhaling helium temporarily changes the
sound of a person's voice. Though helium is non-toxic, breathing it can result in asphyxiation due to
oxygen deprivation.
Lithium (Atomic Number 3) =
(3 Protons & 3 Electrons)
(4 Neutrons)
Pure lithium metal is extremely corrosive and requires special handling. Among other uses, lithium is
used in medicine, as a heat transfer agent, for making alloys, and for batteries.
Beryllium (Atomic Number 4) =
(4 Protons & 4 Electrons)
(5 Neutrons)
Beryllium is found in the gemstone called beryl. Beryllium metal is used in rocket nozzles, space
telescopes, and to make windows transparent to x-rays and other types of radiation
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Rogers 6th Grade Science Class - Model of an Atom Project Sheet
Please sign, cut off, and return this section indicating that you have read and understand the project. I will be
available in the mornings and afternoons to assist and answer questions about the projects. Feel free to email
me or call with any questions.
Student Name _____________________________________
Student Signature _________________________________ Date ________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________ Date _________________________