Name: Periodic Table of Elements and 3D Models
SKU: 92232L
Price: 157.76 AUD

Download Activity Template

Step 1Begin by printing out the templates provided. We recommend printing onto cover paper as this provides a great surface for decorating.
Step 2Did you know the Periodic Table is divided into Groups and Periods? Take page 1 of your template and research the different ways in which the Periodic Table is grouped, then colour the template to reflect this. Once you have completed your Periodic Table you can move onto the individual elements. We have provided diagrams of the first 12 elements on pages 2 & 3 of the template (page 4 offers blank templates so you can research and draw your own element diagrams!). Colour each of the individual elements backgrounds according to the colours of the periodic table you just completed. You will then need to choose a colour for protons, neutrons and electrons and decorate the diagrams accordingly. We used red for protons, blue for neutrons and yellow for electrons. These will be the colours used in the 3D model. Once your elements are decorated and dry, use scissors to cut them out. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors.
Teaching notes - Each element is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus while electrons exist around the outside of the nucleus. To illustrate the electrons we draw them like an orbit around the nucleus, however rather than orbiting uniformly around the nucleus like planets around the sun, they are actually kind of ‘buzzing’ around the outside. The reason the electrons don’t just fly off is due to the fact protons and positively charged and electrons are negatively charged and as we know - opposite charges attract!
Step 3Choose one of your decorated element cards and gather the materials to make your 3D model. We are using wooden beads and armature wire, however you may wish to use other collage materials such as pom poms or decofoam balls. Count out the correct amount of red beads for your protons, blue beads for your neutrons and yellow beads for your electrons.
Step 4Thread your proton and neutron beads onto a length of armature wire leaving approximately 3cm of wire at each end.
Step 5Shape the wire into a sphere shape to create the nucleus. Twist the wire ends together to hold in place.
Step 6Use the pliers to cut a new piece of wire that is long enough to create a circle around the outside of the nucleus. Follow your diagram and thread on the correct amount of electron beads then twist the ends together to close the circle. Use glue dots to hold the beads in position on the wire.
Step 7Repeat step 6 to create more wire circles with electrons until your model matches your diagram.
Teaching notes - The outside part of an atom around the nucleus is called the electron shell. Electron shells have one or more subshells (as indicated by the rings in the diagram). Each shell is able to hold a specific amount of electrons and when an atom holds 8 electrons on its outermost shell it is considered a very stable element.
Step 8Take some clear craft line and thread it up through the centre of the wire circles and nucleus, being sure to tie each one in place. When you reach the top leave approximately 30cm of craft line to thread on your element diagram and create a handle.
Step 9Poke a small hole at the top middle and bottom middle of your element digram and then thread it onto the craft line at the top of your model.
Step 10Create a loop with the remaining craft line and your 3D model is now ready to hang! See how the electrons sit and move around the outside of the nucleus!