Middle School Physical Science Project: 3D Atom Model

This is a project for the end of a unit on atomic structure. Students should have a working knowledge of the structure of atoms, including atomic number, atomic mass, isotopes, energy levels, valence and electron configuration.

Atom Model Project Directions

1. Select your element. Choose carefully. Keep in mind larger atoms will be more difficult and require more time and effort.

2. Decide which isotope, and determine the electron configuration. Most elements have several isotopes with different mass numbers. Remember, isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons, but different numbers of neutrons, so the mass numbers (protons + neutrons) of the isotopes will be different. The electron configuration (number of electrons in each energy level) of all of the isotopes will be the same. This information can be found at the following web sites:
www.chemicalelements.com
www.webelements.com
http://periodic.lanl.gov/

3. Construction of 3-Dimensional model.

* The 3D model needs to hang or stand by itself.
* Size should not exceed 18 inches wide or high.
* It is encouraged to use cheap, easy to find materials such as wire, Styrofoam balls, or beads; no perishable food, but candy is acceptable.
* The protons, neutrons, and electrons should be color coded, and a key should be included on the label.
* Build the nucleus showing the actual number of protons and neutrons for smaller atoms. For atoms with a large number of protons and neutrons, you don't need to use the exact number. You may glue protons and neutrons onto the surface of a Styrofoam or other type of ball to give the appearance of a larger nucleus. The protons should be evenly mixed with the neutrons.
* Your model should have the correct number of energy levels, and the correct number of electrons in each energy level. Electrons repel each other, so the electrons in each energy level should be evenly distributed.
* This project is to be done outside of class.

4. Labels

Neatly label the nucleus and each energy level. Attach a label (a 5 x 7 index card works well for this) neatly written or typed that includes the following information:

a) name, symbol, and mass number of element (e.g., Cadmium Cd 114)
b) atomic number
c) number of protons, neutrons and electrons
d) electron configuration (e.g., 2, 8, 18, 18, 2 for cadmium)
e) number of valence electrons (e.g., 2 for cadmium)
f) classification (metal, non-metal or metalloid)
g) melting point, boiling point and density
h) color-coded key for the protons, neutrons, and electrons

Atom Model Project Rubric

This assignment is worth a total of 80 points, which will be awarded as follows:

Scientific content 45 points

_____ (5) Element name and symbol
_____ (5) Atomic number (# of protons)
_____ (5) Numbers of protons and neutrons
_____ (5) Mass number (sum of protons and neutrons)
_____ (5) Number of electrons
_____ (5) Electron configuration
_____ (5) Number of energy levels
_____ (5) Classification (metal, non-metal, metalloid)
_____ (5) Physical description (melting point, boiling point and density

Workmanship 35 points

_____ (10) Nucleus with protons and neutrons color coded with key on label, correct number of protons and neutrons in nucleus, or appearance of larger nucleus
_____ (10) Correct number of electrons in each energy level, color coded with key on label
_____ (10) Spatial relationships correct (nucleus in center, energy levels in different planes surrounding nucleus)
_____ (5) Energy levels all labeled correctly

Source:
Personal experience