i have to build a model of an atom for school. any ideas for materials?

Question

i have to build a model of gallium (ga) for science. It should be made out of household materials, but i can do a little shopping. anything as far as like sprinkler equipment or something would work.

the basic parts i need are:
1. 31 protons---ANYTHING will work
2. 39 neutrons----ANYTHING will work
3. 4 progressively larger rings for the 4 energy levels or shells.
3. 31 electrons to fit on the rings. i need 31 here.

one plan i had was to use bolts stuck into a stryafome ball as protons and neutrons then washers as electrons. I really have no idea what to use for the rings.

also, it has to be strong so no candy models or anything. my science teacher doesn't want to have a bunch of protons rolling around.

thanks
please be creative.

ANYTHING works

Answer 1

Get pipe cleaners; connect them in series by twisting their ends together; then bend them in to a ring. If you could find beads with good size holes you could run the pipe cleaners through them to have your electrons. Perhaps you could use larger beads in 2 colors for protons and neutrons.

Answer 2

Styrofoam balls are a good start. You can get them at a hobby or fabric shop in different sizes. Use different colors to indicate the different particles. You can stick them together with straws or with those skinny wooden skewers they sell at markets for cooking shishkebab and such.

Answer 3

i would use styrofoam balls and use that hairy wire stuff (pipe cleaners i guess they are called?) that bends really easy for the rings. the wire is sharp and you could just stick them right into the styrofoam. good luck

Answer 4

Sorry, I don't have any advice for you because I'm doing the same project and I don't know what to do either =[

Answer 5

Get clay? it is the best :)