Select the element from the Periodic Table of the Elements that you want to build for the model. The atomic number for each element is located above its symbol in its position on the periodic table. Elements with smaller atomic numbers will be easier to model.
Calculate the number of protons and electrons for the desired element. For an example, locate nitrogen (N) on the periodic table. Its atomic number is 7, which means it has 7 protons and 7 electrons.
Calculate the number of neutrons for nitrogen by subtracting the atomic number of nitrogen from the atomic weight found at the bottom of its location on the periodic table. Nitrogen’s atomic weight rounded is 14.01 and its atomic number is 7. 14.01 – 7 = 7 (rounded). Nitrogen has 7 neutrons.
Label the appropriate number of 2-inch Styrofoam balls representing protons with a large plus sign (+) using the marker. Use the 1-inch Styrofoam balls for the electrons. Label them with a large minus sign (-). Do not label the neutrons.
Turn on the glue gun and give it a few minutes to heat up. The tip of the gun and the melted glue get extremely hot. Spread the newspaper over your work area. Do not let children near the glue gun without adult supervision.
Glue together the protons and neutrons in a big ball. Make sure the proton labels are facing out so you can see them.
Locate the placement of the element’s electrons on the Electron Configuration Table. For nitrogen, there are two electrons in the first energy level and five in the second energy level.
Cut the metal rings with the tin snips under adult supervision. String the appropriate number of Styrofoam electrons onto the energy level rings by pushing the ring through the center of the balls with the electron label facing out. Bring the ends of each ring together and use a piece of duct tape to secure them.
Connect the energy level rings in three places with equal lengths of thin wire. Wrap the end of a piece of wire several times around the smallest ring. Allow several inches of wire between the smallest and next ring and wrap the other end of wire several times around the second ring. Repeat the process to hold the rings apart from each other when held up.
Attach the nucleus in the center of the smallest ring by threading wire through the nucleus and attaching each end of the wire to opposite sides of the ring. Glue the wire in place at each end of the nucleus so it doesn't move. Hold or hang the model by the outermost ring for display.