Metal Mania vs. Non-Metal Magic: Discovering Properties and Uses!

Science Grades 5th Grade 3:26 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the exciting world of metals and non-metals! Learn about their unique properties and how we use them every day.

Video Resource

Metals and Non Metals Video | Properties and Uses | What are metals and non metals?

learning junction

Duration: 3:26
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Metals possess specific properties like malleability, conductivity, luster, and ductility.
  • Non-metals lack the characteristic properties of metals and have properties like brittleness or softness.
  • Metals and non-metals have diverse uses in everyday life based on their unique properties.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define metals and non-metals.
  • Students will be able to identify at least three physical properties of metals and non-metals.
  • Students will be able to describe at least two uses of metals and two uses of non-metals.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what objects around them are made of. Lead a brief discussion about different materials. Introduce the video and explain that it will help them learn about two main groups of materials: metals and non-metals.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the "Metals and Non Metals Video | Properties and Uses | What are metals and non metals?" video from Learning Junction. Encourage students to take notes on the properties and uses of metals and non-metals.
  • Guided Discussion (8 mins)
    After the video, facilitate a discussion about the key properties of metals and non-metals. Use the discussion questions below to guide the conversation. Write student answers on the board.
  • Interactive Activity: Property Sort (10 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a set of cards listing properties (e.g., malleable, brittle, conducts electricity, shiny, dull). Have them sort the cards into two categories: "Metals" and "Non-metals". They can then choose objects around the classroom and decide whether the objects are metal or non-metal and why.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson. Administer the multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank quiz to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Property Sort
    Students sort property cards into 'Metals' and 'Non-metals' categories, reinforcing their understanding of the different characteristics.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some properties that make metals useful?
  • What are some properties that make non-metals useful?
  • Can you name some objects made of metals and some made of non-metals?
  • Why do you think some metals are used for making wires while others are used for jewelry?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Classification
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information synthesis

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of these is a property of metals?

Correct Answer: Shiny

Question 2:

Which of these is a good example of a metal?

Correct Answer: Iron

Question 3:

What does it mean if a metal is 'malleable'?

Correct Answer: It can be hammered into thin sheets.

Question 4:

Which metal is commonly used to make wires for electricity?

Correct Answer: Aluminum

Question 5:

What is a property of non-metals?

Correct Answer: Brittle

Question 6:

Which of these is a good example of a non-metal?

Correct Answer: Sulfur

Question 7:

Which non-metal is essential for us to breathe?

Correct Answer: Oxygen

Question 8:

What property allows metals to be drawn into wires?

Correct Answer: Ductility

Question 9:

What is it called when a metal makes a ringing sound when hit?

Correct Answer: Sonorous

Question 10:

Which non-metals are used in fertilizers to help plants grow?

Correct Answer: Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Metals are often ______, meaning they are capable of reflecting light.

Correct Answer: lustrous

Question 2:

A property of metals that allows them to be hammered into thin sheets is called _________.

Correct Answer: malleability

Question 3:

________ and aluminum are two metals used in making electrical wires.

Correct Answer: copper

Question 4:

Materials that do not have the properties of metals are called _________.

Correct Answer: non-metals

Question 5:

Solid non-metals are often _______, meaning they can be broken into a powder.

Correct Answer: brittle

Question 6:

Unlike metals, non-metals are poor conductors of _______ and heat.

Correct Answer: electricity

Question 7:

The non-metal, ______, is necessary for all living things to breathe.

Correct Answer: oxygen

Question 8:

Metals are used to build machines, automobiles and _________.

Correct Answer: airplanes

Question 9:

A property of metals is that they are ______, which means heat and current can pass through them easily.

Correct Answer: conductive

Question 10:

Nitrogen and ________ are used as fertilizers to help plants grow.

Correct Answer: phosphorus

Educational Standards

5.PS1.3:[Standard] Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Teaching Materials

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