atoms Archives - Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Making an easy atom model project is really a terrific way to help kids understand the makeup of atoms.

LEGO bricks are a versatile and engaging teaching tool that can be used to teach a wide range of subjects and skills.

For example, they teach science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) in a fun way.

Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version

LEGO is great for hands-on learning because it allows students to learn by doing.

Kids build creativity and imagination.

When working in a group LEGO learning builds collaboration, team work, and problem solving.

Finally, they can be used for learning how STEM concepts work in the real world.

If you want a different easy atom model project I have 5 more great ideas for you.

From edible to oversized models, these activities are sure to hold kids’ attention and help them retain what they are learning.

EASY ATOM MODEL PROJECT FACTS

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter.

They are so small that you can’t even see them with a microscope!

Atoms are made up of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons have a positive electric charge.
Neutrons have no electric charge.
Electrons have a negative electric charge.

Protons and neutrons are found in the center of the atom, called the nucleus.

Electrons orbit the nucleus in paths called electron shells.

The number of protons in an atom determines what element it is.

For example, all atoms with one proton are hydrogen atoms.

All atoms with six protons are carbon atoms, and so on.

Atoms can combine with each other to form molecules. Molecules are the building blocks of all things around us, from water to air to the food we eat.

Atoms are constantly moving and vibrating. When atoms move faster, they have more energy. When atoms move slower, they have less energy.

The study of atoms is called atomic physics. Atomic physicists have learned a lot about atoms over the years, but there is still much that we don’t know.

Since atoms are the basic building block doesn’t it just seem fitting that we use our favorite building blocks to recreate our own model as well?

5 EASY ATOM MODEL PROJECT IDEAS

You can make your atom and eat it too with an Atomic Cookie Skillet Model that introduces another science activity, cooking, into the mix.
Another edible model that is tasty, the Marshmallow Atom Project, keeps it really simple while teaching the basics.
Label The Atom Playdough Activity turns another favorite ‘toy’ into a learning lesson.
Go big with this How to Make a 3D Model of an Atom, perfect for co-op or a family science project.
If you have a budding artist at home they may enjoy learning about the parts of an atom by learning How to Draw an Atom in 6 Easy Steps.

Finally, look at how to create a fun LEGO atom version.

HOW TO CREATE A FUN LEGO ATOM VERSION

Remember how I mentioned this was easy? It really is as simple as letting your child play with LEGO. I typed up and added in a quick key for each of the parts to help them remember and that was it!

You will need:

LEGO baseplate
Lots of 1x? Any length bricks
2-6 studs (1×1) in 3 different colors
Typed or handwritten list of atom parts
18-2×2 bricks
2-3×6 plates

First, start with a reference picture of an atom online or in a favorite science book.

You can choose any color you like for each part, just be sure that you have a lot of the 1x_ pieces in a variety of lengths to create the electron paths.

Then you will need to designate a color for electrons, protons, and neutrons in single studs.

Start by creating electron paths by making an outer “circle” and an inner “circle” with 1x_ pieces, you can achieve more of a circular shape by alternating placement at corners and randomly around the circle.

Occasionally use your designated color for electrons and replace a stud to represent the electrons moving along the path.