Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

need some ideas on constructing a 3d element

Hi,

Do you mean a 3 dimensional representation of a chemical element?

So we would need to come up with some ways to show the nucleus with its protons and neutrons and then the shells of electrons.
How about using styrofoam balls that you can buy from craft stores? you could thread them from a coat hanger like a mobile. Or you could use toothpicks to hold them together.

If you pick and large element it could get very very complicated with too many subatomic particles, but I think it would be better to pick something bigger than hydrogen.
You would want to think of a way to show which are neutrons, which are the protons and which are the electrons.

best of luck,
Caroline