Metallic structure and properties
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the properties of metals and relate these to a model of the structure of metals.
Key learning points
- Metals are good electrical conductors and good thermal conductors.
- Metals can be stretched into wires, or bent/hammered into different shapes.
- Individual atoms do not have the physical properties of the substances that contain them.
- Metallic structures consist of positive ions and free–moving outer shell electrons.
- Electrostatic forces of attraction between ions and free electrons bind them all together in a giant metallic structure.
Keywords
Malleable - A malleable substance can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking.
Ductile - A ductile substance has the ability to be drawn into a wire.
Delocalised - Electrons are said to be delocalised when they are free to move through the structure of a metal and can carry an electrical current.
Conductor - A conductor is a substance that allows charge or energy to flow through it easily due to the presence of delocalised electrons.
Forces of attraction - A force of attraction refers to the strength of the pull between two objects either due to their mass, their charge or the presence of magnetic poles.
Common misconception
A metal is an individual atom. The property of a metal atom is the same as the bulk material. Pupils get confused between the attractive forces in the metal atoms and the metallic bond.
Reinforce the idea that atoms are tiny and not visible to the naked eye. The material we know as metal is many millions of atoms joined together. Revisit the structure of the atoms before introducing the idea of metallic bonding and giant structure.
Teacher tip
Provide pupils with some metal wire and foil to show metals are ductile and malleable. They could also test metal objects for electrical and thermal conductivity. Consider asking pupils to touch different materials to see which are 'warmer' or 'colder' as a lead in to the video on slide 28.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Most elements are metals.
Q2.An is an atom, or group of atoms, with a positive or negative charge.
Q3.Which of the following are examples of physical properties of a substance?
Q4.Which of the following statements about metals are true?
Q5.A compound is made of two or more different chemically bonded together.
Q6.Place these prefixes in order of size from the largest to the smallest.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following terms to the correct definition.
Can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking.
Can be drawn into a wire.
Describes electrons free to move through the structure.
Substance that allows charge or energy to flow through it.
Q2.A metallic bond is the strong electrostatic force of attraction between the and the delocalised electrons.
Q3.Which of the following statements describe the structure of a metal?
Q4.Mercury is a metal that is liquid at room temperature. What does this tell you about the properties of mercury?
Q5.True or false? The individual atoms of a metal have the same physical properties of the whole metal.
Q6.Metals are good thermal conductors because ...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Metallic structure and properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Metallic structure and properties, 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 4 combined science lessons from the Structure and bonding unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.