New
New
Metallic elements
I can describe the properties of metal elements and compare them to non-metal elements.
Lesson 3 of 9
New
New
- Year 8
Metallic elements
I can describe the properties of metal elements and compare them to non-metal elements.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Metals are good thermal and electrical conductors, they are strong, shiny, malleable and ductile.
- Non-metals are normally poor thermal and electrical conductors, they are not strong, and are dull and brittle.
- Graphite is a non-metal that is a good electrical and thermal conductor.
- Metals are found on the left side and in the middle of the periodic table, non-metals on the right side.
Keywords
Thermal conductor - A thermal conductor is a substance that transfers heat from one place to another place.
Electrical conductor - An electrical conductor is a substance that allows a flow of charge (electrical current).
Malleable - A malleable substance has the ability to be formed into a shape.
Brittle - A brittle substance has the ability to break up easily.
Ductile - A ductile substance has the ability to be pulled into a wire.
Common misconception
There are exceptions for both metals and non-metals, which have different properties.
Use examples such as mercury and graphite in your teaching.
Use graphite to demonstrate electrical conductivity.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An element is a pure substance made from only one of atom.
An element is a pure substance made from only one of atom.
Q2.Which of the following are physical properties of substances?
Which of the following are physical properties of substances?
making new substances when added to water
reacting with oxygen
Q3.Match the physical property with its description.
Match the physical property with its description.
Q4.Which of the following is a pure substance?
Which of the following is a pure substance?
Fresh orange juice
orange squash
Q5.When sodium metal is added to chlorine gas a yellow-orange flame and white solid form. Select what had happened and why.
When sodium metal is added to chlorine gas a yellow-orange flame and white solid form. Select what had happened and why.
A physical change
The same substances are present
Q6.Use the periodic table provided to match the names of the elements with their symbols.
Use the periodic table provided to match the names of the elements with their symbols.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following properties are most likely associated with metals?
Which of the following properties are most likely associated with metals?
Being brittle
Being a poor electrical conductor
Q2.Graphite is a non-metal. Why is it unique?
Graphite is a non-metal. Why is it unique?
It is sonorous.
It is found on the left side of the periodic table.
It is shiny and ductile.
Q3.What does 'malleable' mean?
What does 'malleable' mean?
It breaks easily.
It can conduct electricity.
It can be pulled into a wire.
Q4.Look at the table below and select which element is most likely to be a metal.
Look at the table below and select which element is most likely to be a metal.

Element B
Element C
Q5.True or false? The elements highlighted in green in this image are all metals.
True or false? The elements highlighted in green in this image are all metals.

True
hydrogen is a non-metal
Q6.Match the properties to their meanings.
Match the properties to their meanings.