Metals vs. Nonmetals: Exploring Their Properties and Uses

Science Grades 5th Grade 7:15 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson explores the properties of metals and nonmetals, their uses in everyday objects, and phenomena like rusting and tarnishing. Students will learn to identify metals and nonmetals based on their characteristics and understand how these materials are used in various applications.

Video Resource

Metals and non metals Part 2

Blouberg Ridge Primary

Duration: 7:15
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Properties of Metals (shiny, hard, malleable, ductile, conduct heat)
  • Properties of Nonmetals (dull, brittle, poor conductors of heat)
  • Examples of Metals and Nonmetals
  • Rusting and Tarnishing
  • Uses of Metals and Nonmetals

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify at least three properties of metals and nonmetals.
  • Students will be able to provide examples of objects made from metals and nonmetals.
  • Students will be able to explain the difference between rusting and tarnishing.
  • Students will be able to describe how metals are used in structures and transport.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about metals and nonmetals. Write their ideas on the board. Show them the YouTube video 'Metals and non metals Part 2' by Blouberg Ridge Primary. Briefly explain the video's purpose.
  • Properties of Metals and Nonmetals (15 mins)
    Review the properties of metals and nonmetals as discussed in the video. Use examples from the video and ask students to provide additional examples. Discuss the terms 'malleable,' 'ductile,' 'brittle,' and 'conductors.' Explain the difference between plating and the base material.
  • Examples and Uses (15 mins)
    Discuss different examples of metals like iron, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and zinc. Discuss their uses as highlighted in the video (e.g., iron for tools, gold for jewelry, aluminum for aircraft). Do the same for nonmetals, reminding students that gases like oxygen are nonmetals. Discuss activity 6 about the car's materials.
  • Rusting and Tarnishing (10 mins)
    Explain the concepts of rusting and tarnishing. Discuss how metals like iron rust and silver tarnishes. Explain how to prevent rusting (coating with plastic, paint, zinc, or oil). Emphasize why gold is valuable because it doesn't tarnish.
  • Activity: Identifying Metals and Nonmetals (10 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Give each group a set of common objects (e.g., a paper clip, a piece of plastic, a glass marble, a copper wire). Ask them to identify whether each object is made of a metal or nonmetal and explain their reasoning based on the properties they have learned.
  • Conclusion (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson. Answer any remaining questions. Preview the quiz.

Interactive Exercises

  • Metal/Nonmetal Sorting Game
    Create a digital or physical sorting activity where students drag and drop images of objects into 'Metal' and 'Nonmetal' categories. Provide feedback on their choices.

Discussion Questions

  • Why are some metals more valuable than others?
  • How does the property of conductivity make metals useful?
  • Why is it important to prevent metals from rusting?
  • Can you think of any new uses for metals or non-metals?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Classification
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is a property of metals?

Correct Answer: Shiny

Question 2:

Which of these objects is most likely made of metal?

Correct Answer: A copper wire

Question 3:

What does it mean if a metal is malleable?

Correct Answer: It can be hammered into different shapes

Question 4:

Which of the following is a nonmetal?

Correct Answer: Oxygen

Question 5:

What is the name for when iron breaks down because of moisture?

Correct Answer: Rusting

Question 6:

Why are pot handles often made of plastic or wood?

Correct Answer: Because they don't conduct heat well

Question 7:

Which metal is used to cover iron to prevent it from rusting?

Correct Answer: Zinc

Question 8:

Which of these metals is known for NOT tarnishing or rusting?

Correct Answer: Gold

Question 9:

What kind of metal is often used to build airplanes?

Correct Answer: Aluminum

Question 10:

Which of these is an example of something that is often 'plated' with a more expensive metal?

Correct Answer: Silverware

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Metals are often __________, meaning they can be drawn into wires.

Correct Answer: ductile

Question 2:

__________ is a valuable metal that is used to make jewelry and doesn't tarnish.

Correct Answer: Gold

Question 3:

Nonmetals are poor __________ of heat and electricity.

Correct Answer: conductors

Question 4:

When silver gets a blackish layer, it is called __________.

Correct Answer: tarnishing

Question 5:

__________ is a metal that is used in electrical wires.

Correct Answer: Copper

Question 6:

A metal that is __________ is attracted to magnets.

Correct Answer: magnetic

Question 7:

__________ is a metal that is very strong and used to build structures like buildings.

Correct Answer: Steel

Question 8:

__________ is a light metal used in aircraft construction.

Correct Answer: Aluminum

Question 9:

The five cent coin is made of steel and is plated with _________.

Correct Answer: copper

Question 10:

If a metal is __________, it can be hammered into shape without breaking.

Correct Answer: malleable

Educational Standards

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

Teaching Materials

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