Hands-On Activity

Drawing Parts of an Atom

In this activity, students will demonstrate the following Inquiry Skills:
Design Investigations
o Make or use models that:
Simulate a real thing that cannot easily be studied or manipulated
Materials:
A selection of at least three different-colored pencils, pens, or markers
Periodic table
List of elements (see example list below)
Give students the names and atomic symbols, including atomic number and atomic weight, for several
different elements. Provide a periodic table as well. Ask students to draw the atomic structure of a
neutral atom of each of those elements. Tell students their drawings should include the protons,
neutrons, and electrons. Students should label each atom and label the nucleus, a proton, a neutron,
and an electron. Circulate around the room and encourage students to be consistent with the colors
they use for each part.
Note that specific isotopes will have to be shown for each element. Some examples that could be used
are:
19
9 F

(atomic number = 9; atomic weight = 19; a neutral atom contains 9 protons, 10 neutrons, and 9
electrons)

16
8 O

(atomic number = 8; atomic weight = 16; a neutral atom contains 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 8
electrons)

14
7 N

(atomic number = 7; atomic weight = 14; a neutral atom contains 7 protons, 7 neutrons, and 7
electrons)
9
4 Be

(atomic number = 4; atomic weight = 9; a neutral atom contains 4 protons, 5 neutrons, and 4
electrons)
7
3 Li

(atomic number = 3; atomic weight = 7; a neutral atom contains 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3
electrons)
11
5 B

(atomic number = 5; atomic weight = 11; a neutral atom contains 5 protons, 6 neutrons, and 5
electrons)