How to Make a Small 3D Atom Model

Last Updated: December 24, 2022 References

3D atom models are a common science project and craft made to help understand how certain atoms work. A 3D atom model can be useful to demonstrate in a classroom or use to explain when giving a lesson about atoms. Atom models aren't too hard to build and this article shares a few different atoms that you can create.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Building a Calcium Atom Model

1
Prepare your materials. You will need glue, scissors, cardstock, string, 40 large craft balls (20 of one color for the protons and the other 20 for the neutrons that's a different color), and 20 small craft balls for the electrons.
2
Glue the protons and neutrons together. Glue both colored craft balls into a ball, alternating between the protons and neutrons as you glue.This will resemble the nucleus.^{[1]
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3
Cut out the cardstock. Cut out a small, a medium, a large, and an extra-large ring using the scissors.^{[2]
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4
Tie the rings. Using the string, tie all the rings in a concentric circle around the nucleus.
5
Glue on the electrons. Glue two small craft balls to the small circle, eight on the medium circle, eight to the large circle, and then two to the extra-large circle. These will resemble all the electrons on the atom.
6
Attach a piece of string to the outer circle to help the model hang.
7
Enjoy! You can now show off and display your 3D model of the atom calcium.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating an Oxygen Atom Model

1
Prepare your materials. You will need 16 medium-sized polystyrene balls, a paint brush, three different paint colors, 8 small polystyrene balls, strong craft glue, an eye hook, wire, duct tape, and a fishing line.
2
Paint 8 of the polystyrene balls a paint color. Use the paint brush to brush the paint over only 8 of the medium sized balls.^{[3]
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Research source} It's recommended to use the color blue as these balls will resemble the protons. Allow the balls to dry until they are no longer wet.
3
Paint the other 8 balls a different color. Repeat the same process with the other 8 balls.^{[4]
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Research source} Paint the balls another color, preferably red since this is resembling the neutrons, and set them aside to allow it to dry.
4
Paint the small polystyrene balls another color. Using the paint brush, paint the 8 small balls another color, preferably green to resemble the electrons.^{[5]
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Research source} Set the balls aside to dry until they are no longer wet.
5
Glue the medium-sized balls together. Using the strong craft glue, glue both different colored medium-sized balls together to resemble a nucleus, alternating between the protons and neutrons as you glue.^{[6]
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6
Screw the eye hook on top of the 'nucleus'.
7
Thread and poke the small balls onto a piece of wire.^{[7]
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8
Form the wire into medium-sized hoops. Gently form the wire into hoops to resemble the atom. Secure the wire and atom together using the duct tape.^{[8]
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9
Tie the fishing line on the hoops and eye hook to help the model hang.
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Enjoy! You can now show off and display your 3D model of the atom oxygen.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Forming a Neon Atom Model

1
Prepare your materials. You will need 6 wooden craft sticks, strong craft glue, 10 medium-sized Styrofoam blue craft balls, 10 medium-sized Styrofoam red craft balls, and 10 small yellow Styrofoam craft balls.
2
Glue the medium-sized balls together. Using the strong craft glue, glue both different colored medium-sized balls (the protons and neutrons) together to resemble a nucleus, alternating between the protons and neutrons as you glue.
3
Poke the wooden craft sticks onto different areas of the 'nucleus'. Leave two of the sticks to stand on the ground so the model can stand itself.^{[9]
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4
Poke and attach the small balls. On each craft stick, poke the small yellow balls to resemble electrons.
5
Enjoy! You can now show off and display your 3D model of the atom neon.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I make a rubidium atom model?

Community Answer

This would be more complicated, as it has 37 protons/electrons and 48 neutrons. Try the calcium structure. Make the nucleus the same way by gluing the protons and neutrons all together. Now, you need to cut out the rings for the energy levels for the electrons, unless you want your atom to be a plasma. You will need five, of course, each one bigger than the last. Glue two electrons in the first one, eight in the second one, 18 in the third one, eight in the fourth one, and finally, glue one in the fifth one. Now attach the string from which you will hang it from, make the information card, and voila, you're finished!
Question

How do I make a 3D model of an iron atom?

Community Answer

Try using the same type of model as either the neon or oxygen, but just adjust the number of wires/dowels/balls you'll need as the amount of energy levels/subatomic particles will probably be different.
Question

How can I make a hanging model of the solar system?

Community Answer

Get some string, one big and six small Styrofoam craft balls, a small hook, and long wooden sticks (found at any craft store). Paint the balls any colors that are required for the project, and poke a hole through the big one on each side. Then take the smaller ones and poke holes in them with the wooden sticks. Take the hook and nail it to the ceiling. Then tie a loop at the end of the string closest to the hook. Loop it onto the hook and glue the other end of the string to the big craft ball in the center. You're done!