Metallic elements
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the properties of metal elements and compare them to non-metal elements.
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.
Teacher tip
Use graphite to demonstrate electrical conductivity.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An element is a pure substance made from only one of atom.
Q2.Which of the following are physical properties of substances?
Q3.Match the physical property with its description.
breaks up easily
able to transfer heat from one place to another
allows a flow of charge
able to reflect light
unable to reflect light
measurement mass per unit volume
Q4.Which of the following is a pure substance?
Q5.When sodium metal is added to chlorine gas a yellow-orange flame and white solid form. Select what had happened and why.
Q6.Use the periodic table provided to match the names of the elements with their symbols.
Ti
Sr
Ar
Sn
Ag
Sc
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following properties are most likely associated with metals?
Q2.Graphite is a non-metal. Why is it unique?
Q3.What does 'malleable' mean?
Q4.Look at the table below and select which element is most likely to be a metal.
Q5.True or false? The elements highlighted in green in this image are all metals.
Q6.Match the properties to their meanings.
can be pulled into a wire
will break up easily
can be formed into a shape
allows a flow of charge (electrical current)
transfers heat from one place to another place
rings like a bell when struck
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Metallic elements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Metallic elements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Atoms, elements and compounds unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.