Determine the element and find its atomic number
Find the number of protons
Find the number of electrons
Find the number of neutrons if needed
Draw the nucleus in the center
Write the protons and neutrons in the nucleus
Draw electron shells around the nucleus
Place electrons in the first shell
Fill the first shell before adding electrons to the next shell
Continue placing electrons in outer shells
Use the correct maximum electrons for each shell
Check that the total number of electrons matches the atomic number
Label the element if required