Here is a model of an atom that cost about $4 to make out of Styrofoam balls, flower wire, and a play dough container that a 6-year old can make. The Styrofoam balls represent the 3 subatomic particles; electron, proton, and neutron. Electron balls were marked with a negative symbols, -, proton balls were marked with a positive symbols, +. and neutron balls were marked with a neutral symbols, 0. The flower wire was made into a circle to represent the electron orbitals on the outside the atom. The electrons were strung on the wire, because the electrons are located in the shell of the atom. The proton and neutron balls were nailed together with tooth picks and represent the nucleus or center of the atom. The nucleus was held in the center with flower wire. A play dough container was used as a stand for the model. Electrons used in electricity come from the outer shell of atoms. The atom cannot be broken into smaller pieces, but some atoms shed some their electrons to make electricity.