Making an atom model

The students will demonstrate their knowledge of the atom by making a model.

1. The students will demonstrate their knowledge of the parts of an atom. 
2. The student will demonstrate that an uncharged atom has the same number of electrons and protons. 
3. The student will be able to deduce the number of neutrons in an atom.

1. The students will practice team work by discussing the best way to make their atom work.
2. The students will assist each other by giving aid when needed.

This activity follows a lesson learning about the atom.

1. The teacher puts the students in teams.  This step is important because there are times when the student will need a little help.
2. The student chooses an atom with an atomic number of five or less.
3. The student draws the atom. 
4. The student writes the number of protons and electrons and does the subtraction from the atomic mass to get the number of neutrons.
5. The students choose two pipe cleaners of different colors.
6. The student tells the teacher which atom they are doing and how many electrons are required.  The teacher gives the student the correct number of beads that will be visible on the pipe cleaner. (beads are used instead of fruit loops to model that electrons are smaller than neutrons or protons.)
7. The students pick out the correct number of protons and neutrons (fruit loops)  The color of the neutrons, electrons and protons must be different from each other, but all the electrons are one color, all the protons are one color, etc.
8. The electrons are put on the pipe cleaner making sure the students understand that the first level can only hold two electrons.
9. The pipe cleaner is then put into a circle and the top is carefully twisted to close the circle.
10. The second pipe cleaner,  with any needed electrons, is gently folded in half and is twisted one time around the first pipe cleaner so that the two will stay together.  Then it is closed into a circle and the ends are wrapped around the top of the first pipe cleaner.
11. The student cuts 50 cm of fishing line. 
12. The fishing line is put through the holes on the fruit loops and tautly but gently tied together so the fruit loops form a tight group. 
13. The fishing line is then tied, one end to the top of the atom and the other to the bottom of the atom with the neucleus suspended in the middle.
14. The student writes the information from the periodic table about his atom on the little card.  Also included is the student's name, class period, and the date.
15. The card is then tied to the atom.

1. Two pipe cleaners per student
2. Fishing line
3. Box of Fruit Loops or other generic circular cereal brightly colored with a hole in the middle
4. Package of 7mm beads
5. 3 x 5 cards cut in thirds with a hole punched in the top.

1. The atom must have the correct amount of electrons, neutrons and protons.
2. The atom must be connected at the top and bottom.
3. The nucleus must be approximately in the middle of the atom.
4. The information on the card must be correct and align with the atom.
5. The students must work together and help each other when needed.