IDEA #23FOVD Electron House. 17A0004

Key Words: electron configuration, 30 printing, electron structure, atomic structure, quantum theory of atoms, 30 model, 30 manipulative, orbitals This invention is a 3D-plastic manipulative that is designed to teach and apply the three principles of orbital atomic theory of electron configuration. Each student will be able to construct his/her own "Electron House" with dimensions of approximately 18 in. x 15 in. The device will allow students to "build" electron orbitals using a house as a model with each floor representing a principle quantum energy level/shell (n). On each floor, the number of "rooms" equals then number (i.e. n=1, one room; n=2, two rooms, n=3, three rooms, n=4, four rooms). Each room represents a sublevel/shell. Different peg blocks ("beds") with the shape of electron orbitals can be placed in corresponding rooms, representing orbitals. After preparing the house with the orbitals, electron pegs can be placed in the orbitals only with the correct configuration ("foot-to-head") for individual atoms or ions. The device can be used to make models of atoms or ions with up to 46 electrons.