VanCleave's Science Fun

Your Guide to Science Projects, Fun Experiments, and Science Research

ABOUT THE SOUND PICTURE

With mouth wide open, vibrating air coming up the throat from the vocal chords leaving the open mouth and spreading in all directions. Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50+ best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years and now am creating this science website.   My scream was not staged. The picture was to be of two adult cats, which I was holding. A microsecond before the camera snapped, the two cats dug their claws into my skin as they prepared to leap out of my arms. A picture like this is great for making inferences. Kids could make "guesses" as to why I am screaming. They would be drawing on facts from the photo, such as I look like I am in pain or maybe I am just pretending.

Sound Supplies and Sound Investigations

Educational Innovation Sound Supplies A black and yellow logo for Educational Innovations. A place to find fun science supplies.
  • Home
  • ASK JANICE
  • Teacher Guide
  • Homeschool Science For Kids
Home » Atomic Structure

Atomic Structure

By Janice VanCleave

atomic structure

Question: What are atoms made of?

Answer: Atoms are the smallest part of an element (single substances, such as copper, gold, and carbon).

Atoms can be divided into two basic regions:

1. The region in the center of an atom is called the nucleus. Particles inside the nucleus are called nucleons, such as protons and neutrons.

  • Protons are positively charged particles.
  • Neutrons are particles without a charge.

2. The region outside the nucleus is where the atom’s electrons move.

While there are no real boundaries that hold nucleons inside the nucleus or to contain electrons within a certain distance from the nucleus, the atomic particles remain in certain areas.

Electrons farthermost from the nucleus are more easily rubbed off—pulled away by another atom–or shared with another atom.

 

Janice VanCleave's Chemistry for Every Kid Book is a basic science experiment book, designed to help kids to learn, and adults to teach the fun of learning chemistry concepts.

Chemistry for Every Kid

Each of the 101 chemistry experiments has a purpose, list of materials, step-by-step instructions and illustrations, expected results, and a science explanation in understandable terms.

(paid link)

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print

Filed Under: Chemistry Tagged With: atomic structure

Topic Search

Visitors From All Over the World


Welcome to Janice’s Science Extravaganza!

The spoon hanging from the string vibrates when struck and these vibrations are transmitted through the string and the sound is amplified by the plastic cups. ABOUT ME: Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50 best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years. MORE.....

Introductory CAT Lesson

Science CAT Activity and SCI/Art  

SOON! More CAT Activities

Janice VanCleave CAT Stickers

Order Your CAT Stickers Here

FAQs

Janice VanCleave answers your questions about all the different kinds of color changing products.

Check here for Frequently Asked Questions about CAT
stickers.

Send Questions to Janice

Send Information to me using this form.

Contact Janice

Other Janice VanCleave Free Color Changing Lessons

  • HAT Stickers Heat Activated Thermochromic Stickers Stickers that change colors when heated.
  • SA Stickers Sun Activated Stickers Stickers that change color when exposed to sunlight.
  • TLC Dot Stickers Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Stickers Stickers that, like Mood Rings, change color when heated.

Copyright © 2026 · Janice Van Cleave · JVC's Science Fair Projects · Log in