Name:
Let’s Recap
You have learnt all about what characteristics or properties metal have that make
them different from non-metals.
Write down five properties of metals here:
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We’re going to learn about some other properties of metals.
Metals are USEFUL
Think of five items you use, or see used, everyday that are made of metal. Write them
down here: ____________________________________________________________
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Because metals are strong and hard they can be used for many different things.
Because metals can be melted and shaped into different tools and items, there are
an endless number of ways we can use them.
Metals CONDUCT HEAT
Why do you think pot handles are usually made of plastic or wood?
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Metal conducts or “carries” heat. If you heat up a part of a metal rod or container, the
heat travels from one part of the object to the other parts, until the whole object is hot.
© e-classroom 2015 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 5 Natural Science Term 2 : Matter and materials; uses of metal-other properties of metal GRADE 5
Uses of metals: other properties of metals
You will need: gas burner, tripod stand, beaker, large metal spoon, matches, candle, water.
1
1) Fill the beaker with water. Put it on the tripod stand and light the gas burner underneath it. Boil the water.
2) While the water is heating up, light the candle and drip the warm wax onto the handle of the metal spoon. Allow it to cool and solidify.
3) When the wax is solid, turn off the gas burner and place the spoon into the beaker with the handle sticking out of the water.
Results:
What happened to the wax on the metal spoon?
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2
3
What can you conclude about metals?
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© e-classroom 2015 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 5 Natural Science Term 2 : Matter and materials; uses of metal-other properties of metal GRADE 5
Activity 1: Observe heat conduction in metals
Some metals are magnetic and others are not. If a
metal is magnetic, it means that they are attracted
to metals that are magnetic and stick to them. There
are only four metals that are magnetic: Iron, Steel,
Nickel and Cobalt. All of the other metals are non-magnetic.
Activity 2:
Find items made from different types of metals. Use
a magnet to see which of these items are magnetic
and which are not. Remember that, depending on
what metal the object is made of, some will be magnetic and others will not be.
Metals RUST or TARNISH
Have you ever seen a rusty nail or a gate that has rust on it?
Nearly all metals are affected by the air and by water.
You know that metals are shiny, but after a while in the air, they tarnish. This
means that their colour may change or they become dull. Silver, for example, gets
a blackish layer over its surface. You can clean this layer off with special polish.
Gold does not tarnish or rust. This is one of the reasons that it is so valuable. Iron
is the only metal that rusts. This means that any metal alloy that contains iron (like
steel) will also rust. The metal turns reddish-brown and breaks down into bits. This
happens because of moisture directly on the metal object or in the air.
How can we prevent metals from rusting?
• Coat them with plastic
• Paint them
• Coat them with a metal that does not rust, like zinc
• Coat them with oil or grease
© e-classroom 2015 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 5 Natural Science Term 2 : Matter and materials; uses of metal-other properties of metal GRADE 5
Metals are MAGNETIC
Let’s Recap
Write down five properties of metals here:
1. shiny
2. hard
3. strong
4. can be shaped (malleable)
5. can be made into wires without breaking (ductile)
6. melt at high temperatures.
Metals are USEFUL
Think of five items you use, or see used, everyday that are made of metal. Write them
down here:
1. Pots
2. Pans
3. Scissors
4. Kitchen utensils
5. Knives
6. Garden tools, and so forth.
Metals CONDUCT HEAT
Why do you think pot handles are usually made of plastic or wood?
1. Metal handles would get too hot.
2. Plastic and wooden handles do not get hot.
Activity 1: Observe heat conduction in metals
Results:
What happened to the wax on the metal spoon?
It melted.
© e-classroom 2015 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 5 Natural Science Term 2 : Matter and materials; uses of metal-other properties of metal GRADE 5
Memorandum
It can conduct or transport heat.
Metals are MAGNETIC
Activity 2:
Find items made from different types of metals. Use a magnet to see which of these
items are magnetic and which are not. Remember that, depending on what metal the
object is made of, some will be magnetic and others will not be.
Any items made of iron, steel, cobalt or nickel will be magnetic.
Anything else that does not contain these metals will not be magnetic.
© e-classroom 2015 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 5 Natural Science Term 2 : Matter and materials; uses of metal-other properties of metal GRADE 5
What can you conclude about metals?