Building a Model of an Atom

Grade Level: 9th Grade

Subject: Chemistry

Objective:

In this lab, students will create a model of an atom using various materials. They will be able to
identify and understand the structure of an atom, including the proton, neutron, and electron, and
their respective properties and locations within the atom.

Materials:

• Foam balls or paper (different sizes and colors)

• Pipe cleaners or toothpicks
• Glue or tape
• Markers or colored pencils

Procedure:

1. Based on the information gathered, students should decide on their model's appropriate
number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Choose an element of choice like carbon,
nitrogen, etc.
2. Using the foam balls or paper, students should designate different colors to represent the
protons, neutrons, and electrons.
3. Assemble the model by attaching the protons and neutrons (foam balls or paper) together
in the nucleus using glue or tape.
4. Attach the electrons (foam balls or paper) to pipe cleaners or toothpicks and position
them around the nucleus at the appropriate distance.
5. Label the protons, neutrons, and electrons in the model using markers or colored pencils.
6. Once the models are complete, students should reflect on the following questions
individually or as a group:
o How does the model represent the structure of an atom?
o What are the roles and locations of the protons, neutrons, and electrons in the
atom?
o How does changing the number of protons, neutrons, or electrons affect the
properties of an atom?
o Can you identify any patterns or trends in the atomic structure of different
elements based on their location in the periodic table?
7. Finally, ask students to present their models to the class, explaining their design choices
and discussing their understanding of atom structure based on their models.