Is it a metal?

Is it a metal?

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about how to test if something is a metal.
The properties of a metal are: hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, ductile and a good electrical and thermal conductor. Properties of a non-metal are: dull and don't conduct electricity.
 
A group of students have been given ten different solids of varying shapes and sizes.
For each solid, they have been asked to find out 
  • whether the solid is non-metal or metal
  • the relative density of the solid.

Question 1Change answer

a)  Outline a simple test the students could do to find out if the substances are metals or not.

Question 1Change answer

b)  Density can be calculated using the formula m⁄V. 
Outline how the students could find out the mass (m) and volume (V) of the solids of varying shapes and sizes.
Mass
Volume
 
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online. 
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Material World
Key Competencies: 
Thinking
Keywords: 
properties, metals, identification
Description of task: 
Students outline a test they could do to show if a substance is a metal or not.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss what you know about science helps you decide on ways to investigate a question.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Answers/responses: 
  

Y10 (07/1999)
a)  
Test,
e.g., Set up a simple conductivity test where the sample is placed in a (series) circuit.

Result
The circuit will work/bulb will light up, etc., if material is metallic.

[Note: Other test outlines for other metal properties are acceptable.  Accept "check if the material is shiny or dull".]

 test – difficult

result – difficult
b) i)
ii)		 Mass: Use scales to weigh object.
Volume: Calculate the volume by measuring water displacement.		 moderate
very difficult