Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 8 Science Guides

Year 8 - Science

Metallic elements

Atoms, elements and compounds

Unit Summary

This unit explores the basic atomic model, the differences between atoms, elements, and compounds, and the varying physical and chemical properties of elements. It covers chemical symbols, formulae, SI units, and IUPAC nomenclature, emphasising their use in describing elements and compounds.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the properties of metal elements and compare them to non-metal elements.

Key Notes

  • Metals are good thermal and electrical conductors, they are strong, shiny, malleable and ductile.
  • Non-metals are normally poor thermal and electrical conductors, they are not strong, and are dull and brittle.
  • Graphite is a non-metal that is a good electrical and thermal conductor.
  • Metals are found on the left side and in the middle of the periodic table, non-metals on the right side.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • thermal conductor: A thermal conductor is a substance that transfers heat from one place to another place.
  • electrical conductor: An electrical conductor is a substance that allows a flow of charge (electrical current).
  • malleable: A malleable substance has the ability to be formed into a shape.
  • brittle: A brittle substance has the ability to break up easily.
  • ductile: A ductile substance has the ability to be pulled into a wire.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • There are exceptions for both metals and non-metals, which have different properties.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Metals are good thermal and electrical conductors, they are strong, shiny, malleable and ductile. Non-metals are normally poor thermal and electrical conductors, they are not strong, and are dull and brittle.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'thermal conductor'

A thermal conductor is a substance that transfers heat from one place to another place. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: There are exceptions for both metals and non-metals, which have different properties. Correction: Use examples such as mercury and graphite in your teaching.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Science guide library.