The most common representation of scientific concepts is through spherical models known as Scienceballs, which depict chemical elements or ions. Each element ball features a prominent symbol of the element at its center, the atomic number located in the upper left corner, and the mass number displayed beneath the element symbol. For ions, the charge of the element can also be indicated in the upper right corner. The mass number may vary depending on the relative atomic mass (Ar) of the element, which may include variations due to radioactivity, or it may be represented by the standard average Ar. For example, consider the sodium ion (Na). This model displays the large "Na" symbol in the center, the atomic number "11" in the upper left corner, the mass number "22.990" below the "Na" symbol, and a "+" sign in the upper right corner to indicate the ion's positive charge.

Another type of Scienceball represents molecules composed of more than one element. These representations not only illustrate molecules but can also depict polyatomic ions. Each molecular ball features a large molecular symbol, a relative molecular mass (Mr), and an ionic charge marker. For example, the sulfate ion (SO4^2-) is represented as a ball with a prominent SO4 symbol. Below this symbol, the relative molecular mass (Mr) of 96 is indicated, while the ionic  charge marker of 2- appears in the upper right corner.

Scienceballs represent complex compounds, including nutrients, porphyrins, enzymes, hormones, and hydrocarbon derivatives. Unlike the previous two types, which use symbols and numbers, this type displays the compound’s name in the center of the ball. Examples of Scienceballs include hemoglobin, chlorophyll, and vitamin B1.