Metals vs Non-Metals
Compare the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals, explaining metallic properties (malleability, lustre, conductivity) and how position in the periodic table predicts reactivity
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Metals vs Non-Metals means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- Two everyday materials (e.g. ice cube / warm water / salt / spoon)
- Clear cup and paper for notes
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Ice melts in the warm cup: solid → liquid. Heat caused the change.
Optional challenge. For Metals vs Non-Metals, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Metals vs Non-Metals, not mastery.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Metals vs Non-Metals means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.
Materials: Two everyday materials (e.g. ice cube / warm water / salt / spoon); Clear cup and paper for notes. 1. Say the goal of Metals vs Non-Metals in plain words once. 2. Adult shows one property or state change and names solid/liquid/gas or a material property. 3. Child tests three samples and records a property or state observation each time. 4. Fresh check: one fresh property or state observation. Record and stop. Done: three property/state notes with evidence. Proof: parent note of examples and results. Stop: End after the fresh check; keep optional challenge for another day.
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Practice this concept
Start practiceMetals vs Non-Metals practice
Practice key ideas from Metals vs Non-Metals.
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Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
States of Matter: Basics
Before you open · source notes
States of Matter: Basics supports hands-on exploration for Metals vs Non-Metals. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “States of Matter: Basics.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Lists physical properties typical of metals (shiny, malleable, good conductor) and non-metals
- Explains why metals are used in wires, cookware, and construction based on their properties
- Uses the periodic table to predict whether an element is likely to be reactive or unreactive
- Explains what lustre and malleability mean in terms of real-world observations
“If your child had an unknown substance that was shiny, could be bent without breaking, and conducted electricity, could they identify it as likely a metal and explain how each property points to that conclusion?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 11–13
Standards