Today, we are going to make an atom! Kids of all ages will have a blast making their own atom while learning what an atom is. This science activity is a fun and hands on way to learn about atoms. We will learn about what it does, what it is, and the different parts of an atom. It’s a fun science activity that younger kids and older kids will both enjoy. Make an atom at home or in the classroom.
Make An Atom
Science isn’t boring. Rather it can be fun and exciting if we make it that way. And this make an atom activity is a great way to ensure kids will not only have fun, but learn in a memorable way.
This atom is colorful, soft, and neat looking. Kids will be able to practice fine motor skills, explore colors, and textures while learning science. Neat huh? So, let’s make an atom and explore the science behind this science craft.
What Is An Atom?
Look around. Everything you see is built of tiny things called atoms. Think of them like building blocks. They are so small that you can see them only using a super powerful microscope.
Did you know that you are made of atoms? But what does an atom really look like? Well, let’s make one and see!
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Related: Check out our zentangle Atom coloring page!
Supplies Needed To Make An Atom
How To Make An Atom
Step 1
Decide how many electrons you would like your atom to have. Count out that many and then count out the same number of protons. They need to have different colors.
Craft Notes:
You can have as many neutrons as you’d like.
Step 2
Bend the wire into electron paths for each of your electrons. They should be circles that are a little wider in the middle and more narrow at the ends.
Step 3
Hot glue your electrons into the wire, carefully.
Step 4
Now, create a nucleus by gluing your proton and neutron pom poms together into a ball.
Step 5
Make stability rods out of the wire to now attach your electron paths to the nucleus.
Craft Notes:
We glued the stability rod pieces into the nucleus and then we attached the rod electron path underneath the electron pom pom at the join. When you have the electron and electron paths attached to the nucleus, you can do some arranging to make it look better.
Variations Of This Make An Atom Activity
If you don’t have pom poms, you can use other things. Also, can use different colored marshmallows… any maybe eat a few.
You could also make 2D models by drawing it out on paper with crayons, markers, or colored pencils. You could even use a pencil and stickers.
The Different Parts Of An Atom
We see what an atom looks like. And we know that they are the building blocks of everything we see. But what are the different parts of an atom individually?
1. Nucleus
The nucleus is the center of an atom. The nucleus holds the protons and neutrons. It contains the most of the atom’s mass.
2. Electron
The electron spins around the nucleus on orbitals. Electrons have a negative charge.
3. Proton
The proton is found in the nucleus. It has a positive charge. They make up the most weight inside of the atom.
4. Neutron
A neutron is a neutral particle that is in the nucleus. This means it doesn’t have an electrical charge and is not positive or negative.
Materials
- Pom Poms (3 different colors)
- Craft Wire
- Hot Glue Gun
- Wire Cutters
- Gloves
Instructions
- Decide how many electrons you would like your atom to have. Count out that many and then count out the same number of protons. They need to have different colors.
- Bend the wire into electron paths for each of your electrons. They should be circles that are a little wider in the middle and more narrow at the ends.
- Hot glue your electrons into the wire, carefully.
- Now, create a nucleus by gluing your proton and neutron pom poms together into a ball.
- Make stability rods out of the wire to now attach your electron paths to the nucleus.
Notes
You can have as many neutrons as you’d like.
We glued the stability rod pieces into the nucleus and then we attached the rod electron path underneath the electron pom pom at the join. When you have the electron and electron paths attached to the nucleus, you can do some arranging to make it look better.
More Atom Fun From Kids Activities Blog
We had fun with this make an atom activity. Did you learn anything new?
