Lesson Plan
Metal or Not?
Students will be able to identify and distinguish between metals and non-metals based on observable physical properties such as luster, malleability, conductivity, and magnetism.
Understanding the differences between metals and non-metals helps students classify materials around them, connect to real-world applications in science and engineering, and build foundational knowledge for future chemistry concepts.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Hands-on experimentation and guided observation.
Materials
Various samples of metals (e.g., copper wire, aluminum foil, iron nail) and non-metals (e.g., carbon, sulfur, wood, plastic), Hammer (for malleability test), Conductivity tester (simple circuit with battery, bulb, and wires), Magnet, Safety goggles, Metal or Not? Lab Sheet, Metal or Not? Lab Sheet Answer Key, and Metal or Not? Slide Deck
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Metal or Not? Lesson Plan and gather all necessary materials (metal and non-metal samples, hammer, conductivity tester, magnet, safety goggles).
- Print copies of the Metal or Not? Lab Sheet for each student or small group.
- Prepare the Metal or Not? Slide Deck for presentation.
- Set up stations around the classroom with samples and testing equipment.
Step 1
Warm-up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What makes something a metal?"
- Introduce the lesson objectives and the plan for the day using the Metal or Not? Slide Deck.
- Briefly explain the properties they will be testing (luster, malleability, conductivity, magnetism).
Step 2
Lab Activity: Exploring Properties
25 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
- Distribute the Metal or Not? Lab Sheet to each group.
- Instruct students to visit each station, observe the samples, and test their properties using the provided equipment.
- Remind students to record their observations carefully on their lab sheets.
- Emphasize safety, especially when using the hammer for malleability tests (ensure they hit gently and wear safety goggles).
Step 3
Discussion & Conclusion
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Facilitate a discussion based on their findings. Ask questions like: "What patterns did you notice?" and "What were the key differences you observed?"
- Use the Metal or Not? Slide Deck to review the properties of metals and non-metals.
- Clarify any misconceptions and ensure students understand how to distinguish between the two categories.
Step 4
Cool Down/Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Ask students to complete an exit ticket: "Name one property that helped you identify a metal and one property that helped you identify a non-metal."
- Collect the Metal or Not? Lab Sheet for review.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Metal or Not? Let's Find Out!
What makes something a metal? What do you think?
Greet students and start with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge about materials. This sets the stage for the lab.
Our Mission Today:
- Distinguish between metals and non-metals.
- Identify key properties like luster, malleability, conductivity, and magnetism.
- Record observations like real scientists!
Introduce the lesson objectives clearly. Explain that today they will be detectives, examining different materials.
Detective Tools: Properties to Test
We'll be looking for these clues:
- Luster: Is it shiny or dull?
- Malleability: Can it be hammered flat (or does it break)?
- Conductivity: Does electricity flow through it?
- Magnetism: Does a magnet stick to it?
Explain each property simply. Luster: how shiny it is. Malleability: can you hit it and flatten it? Conductivity: does it let electricity pass? Magnetism: does a magnet stick to it?
Your Lab Adventure!
- Work in your groups.
- Visit each station.
- Carefully test each sample for luster, malleability, conductivity, and magnetism.
- Record ALL your observations on your Metal or Not? Lab Sheet.
- Safety first! Be gentle with the hammer and wear your goggles.
Briefly outline the lab process. Emphasize working in groups and careful observation. Point out the Metal or Not? Lab Sheet.
What Did You Discover?
- What patterns did you notice?
- What were the biggest differences between the samples?
- Which properties were most helpful in deciding if something was a metal or not?
Facilitate a class discussion. Ask students to share their most interesting observations and challenges. Guide them towards identifying patterns.
Metals vs. Non-Metals: The Big Reveal!
Metals are usually:
- Shiny (lustrous)
- Malleable (can be shaped)
- Good conductors of electricity
- Often magnetic (but not always!)
Non-metals are usually:
- Dull (not shiny)
- Brittle (break easily)
- Poor conductors of electricity
- Not magnetic
Summarize the key characteristics. Reinforce the understanding that metals generally have these properties, while non-metals do not.
Quick Check: Exit Ticket
On your lab sheet, write down:
- One property that helped you identify a metal.
- One property that helped you identify a non-metal.
Great job, scientists!
Conclude by having students complete the exit ticket on their lab sheets or a separate piece of paper. This checks their immediate understanding.
Worksheet
Metal or Not? Lab Sheet
Name: __________________________ Date: ____________________
Our Mission:
To discover the differences between metals and non-metals by testing their properties!
Materials at Each Station:
- Various samples (e.g., copper, aluminum, iron, carbon, sulfur, wood, plastic)
- Hammer
- Conductivity tester
- Magnet
- Safety goggles
Instructions:
- Work with your group to visit each station.
- For each sample, carefully test its properties using the tools provided.
- Record your observations in the table below.
- After testing, decide if the sample is a metal or a non-metal and explain why.
- Safety First! Always wear your safety goggles when using the hammer. Hit samples gently.
Observations Table:
| Sample Name | Luster (Shiny/Dull) | Malleability (Flattens/Breaks) | Conductivity (Yes/No) | Magnetism (Yes/No) | Is it a Metal or Non-metal? | Why? (Based on properties) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample 1: Copper Wire | ||||||
| Sample 2: Sulfur | ||||||
| Sample 3: Aluminum Foil | ||||||
| Sample 4: Carbon (e.g., Pencil Lead) | ||||||
| Sample 5: Iron Nail | ||||||
| Sample 6: Wood Block |
Exit Ticket:
- Name one property that helped you identify a metal:
- Name one property that helped you identify a non-metal:
Good work, scientists! You did a great job exploring the world of materials!
Answer Key
Metal or Not? Lab Sheet Answer Key
Our Mission:
To discover the differences between metals and non-metals by testing their properties!
Instructions for Teacher:
Use this answer key to guide students and assess their understanding. Remember that some observations might vary slightly based on the specific samples used.
Observations Table - Suggested Answers:
| Sample Name | Luster (Shiny/Dull) | Malleability (Flattens/Breaks) | Conductivity (Yes/No) | Magnetism (Yes/No) | Is it a Metal or Non-metal? | Why? (Based on properties) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample 1: Copper Wire | Shiny | Flattens | Yes | No | Metal | Shiny, malleable, conducts electricity |
| Sample 2: Sulfur | Dull | Breaks | No | No | Non-metal | Dull, brittle, does not conduct electricity |
| Sample 3: Aluminum Foil | Shiny | Flattens | Yes | No | Metal | Shiny, malleable, conducts electricity |
| Sample 4: Carbon (e.g., Pencil Lead) | Dull (or slightly shiny) | Breaks | Yes (graphite) | No | Non-metal (usually) | Dull, brittle, (graphite conducts electricity but is a non-metal) |
| Sample 5: Iron Nail | Shiny | Flattens | Yes | Yes | Metal | Shiny, malleable, conducts electricity, magnetic |
| Sample 6: Wood Block | Dull | Breaks | No | No | Non-metal | Dull, brittle, does not conduct electricity, not magnetic |
Note for Carbon (Graphite): While most non-metals are poor conductors, graphite (a form of carbon) is an exception and does conduct electricity. This is a good point for discussion to show that there are exceptions to general rules, but carbon's other properties (dull, brittle) still classify it as a non-metal.
Exit Ticket - Suggested Answers:
- Name one property that helped you identify a metal:
Expected answers: Shiny/Lustrous, Malleable/Can be flattened, Conducts electricity, Magnetic (if applicable) - Name one property that helped you identify a non-metal:
Expected answers: Dull, Brittle/Breaks easily, Does not conduct electricity, Not magnetic
Great job, scientists! You did a great job exploring the world of materials!