Page 62 - FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE; EXPLORING GOD’S UNIVERSE

Science Y5 – God’s Amazing Matters – lesson 16
THE WORLD OF METALS

Truth to Teach (Source)

Proverbs 27:17 ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.’

 Iron is a very hard, widely used metal.

 How steel is made from iron.

 Other common metals and alloys.

Way to Work (Means)

1. Review the previous lesson.

2. Show the children iron and steel objects and ask them to recall the differences they found
between them in the last lesson.

Iron is quite strong, magnetic, rusts easily and occurs naturally.
Steel very strong and is made out of iron.

3. Talk about the meaning of the above verse. Discuss its relevance for us. Consider its
application to the government, committees, etc.

4. Talk about iron which makes up 5% of rocks on the earth. Huge mines are found in Russia,
Australia, North America and in the UK. Most iron is made into steel.

5. Ask the children to name other common metals and their uses, eg copper, gold, silver,
aluminium.

Show some copper wire and explain that copper conducts electricity and heat so is used
for fine wires as it can be pulled easily. It does not rot so is reliable.

Gold and silver are used for jewellery amongst other things.

Aluminium is used for cans and some children may like to find out how a drink can is
formed. Aluminium does not rust, is light and is fairly strong.

6. Talk about metals which are mixed or blended with other substances to form an alloy. Coins
are made from alloys. Examples of alloys are: -
Copper + tin = bronze
Copper + zinc = brass
Copper + nickel = cupronickel used to make coins
Copper + tin + zinc= gunmetal

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