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Metal Detectives: One Metal at a Time
by JoySchooler LearnerThere are about 90 metals, and each one has its own secret. Become a metal detective and meet twelve star metals, one per lesson, to find out what makes each one special.
Library
Meet the Metals
Lesson 1
Gold: The Coin You Can Squash
A lump of gold, a heavy hammer, and a detective's first question: what happens to a metal when you just keep hitting it?
StartLesson 2
Mercury: The Silver Puddle
Every metal you have ever touched is hard and solid — so what is that shiny silver puddle doing sitting quietly in a dish?
StartLesson 3
Sodium: Cut It With a Butter Knife
Some metals are softer than cheese. What happens when this one meets a drop of water?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 4
Iron: The Fridge Magnet Hunt
Grab a magnet and go hunting around the house. What is hiding in the things it grabs?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 5
Copper: Why Are Wires Orange Inside?
Peel open an old cable and you'll find the same metal again and again. Why that one?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 6
Aluminium: The Can in Your Hand
Drink cans, foil and airplanes all use this metal. What do they need that it gives them?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 7
Silver: The Spoon in the Hot Cocoa
Two spoons sit in a hot drink. Which handle would you rather touch after a minute?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 8
Lithium: The Lightweight Champion
Line up every metal by weight. Who ends up at the very end, and why does it matter for batteries?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 9
Osmium: Two Cubes, Same Size
Two metal cubes look like twins. Pick them up and one surprises you. Why?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 10
Tungsten: The Glowing Wire
An old light bulb has a wire that gets fiery hot. Why doesn't it melt away?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 11
Titanium: The Metal in Rockets and Bones
Doctors and rocket builders both reach for the same metal. What could they possibly both need?
Locked till you take the prior lessonLesson 12
Cesium: The Metal That Hates a Warm Day
This metal is solid in a cold room. What happens on a warm summer afternoon?
Locked till you take the prior lessonReview and assessment
Lesson 13
Test: Metal Detectives: One Metal at a Time
Review the course ideas by applying them to new situations, with kind feedback after every answer.
Locked till you take the prior lesson