
An atom has protons and neutrons in its nucleus, and electrons zipping around the nucleus in orbits.
When protons, neutrons and electrons start combining in specific numbers, you have atoms with recognizable traits. For example, if you have eight protons, neutrons and electrons you have an oxygen (O) atom. If you have seven protons, neutrons and electrons you have a nitrogen (N) atom.
The term “element” is used to describe atoms with specific characteristics. There are almost 120 known elements, generally organized in the Periodic Table.
Mr. Loar’s 6-8 team science students used their names to identify elements to study in depth.