By Walt Pickut | Updated Mar 24, 2022

Atom models illustrate the three key components of an atom: the nucleus, made of protons and neutrons, and electrons orbiting the nucleus. The classic Bohr model, recognized by Nobel laureate Niels Bohr in 1922, depicts electrons in fixed orbits. While modern quantum mechanics describes electron probability clouds, the Bohr model remains a clear, hands‑on way to convey atomic structure to students and hobbyists.

Step 1 – Choose Your Helium Isotope

Refer to a periodic table or a trusted chemistry text to determine the proton, neutron, and electron counts for helium. The most common natural isotope, 4He, has 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons. Less common isotopes differ only in neutron number and decay within seconds, so we’ll model the stable 4He atom.

Step 2 – Prepare Colored Spheres

Paint or color six spheres (0.5–1 inch diameter) in three distinct colors: one color for protons (P), a second for neutrons (N), and a third for electrons (e). Label each sphere with a permanent marker: “P,” “N,” or “e.”

Step 3 – Construct the Electron Orbit

Thread the two electron spheres onto a 24‑inch stiff wire, bend the wire into a perfect circle, and glue the spheres to opposite sides of the loop. This loop represents the shared electron orbit.

Step 4 – Build the Nucleus

Glue the two proton and two neutron spheres together in a square arrangement. Ensure the glue bond is solid before proceeding.

Step 5 – Create a Pivot for the Nucleus

Drill a ¼‑inch hole through the nucleus’s diagonal corners so a dowel can pass through.

Step 6 – Attach the Nucleus to the Dowel

Insert the dowel into the nucleus holes, lay it flat, and leave it unglued for now.

Step 7 – Position the Electron Orbit

Place the electron loop so the nucleus sits centrally. Rotate the loop so the electron spheres sit left and right of the dowel’s axis. Slide the dowel along the loop’s diameter until one end barely touches the loop’s inner edge. Apply glue at each contact point—between the dowel and nucleus, and between the dowel and the loop.

Step 8 – Mount the Model

Drill a ¼‑inch hole in the center of a 4" × 4" × 1" wooden block. Secure the dowel’s glued end into this hole, allowing the model to stand upright. Your helium atom model is now ready for display or educational use.

Materials Needed

• 6 spheres (½–1 in diameter, e.g., balsa wood, Styrofoam, or ping‑pong balls)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• 24‑inch stiff wire
• 1/4‑inch × 18‑inch wood dowel
• 4" × 4" × 1" wooden block
• Three permanent markers or paint colors
• Black permanent marker for labels
• ¼‑inch drill bit

TL;DR

Build an 18‑inch‑high helium atom model with an 8‑inch electron orbit. The same technique scales for other elements while maintaining proportional accuracy.

Safety Notice

Wear safety glasses when drilling and handle hot glue with care. Ensure all glue bonds are firm before moving to the next step.