What Are the Properties of Metals?

As your students start to dive into the study of matter, they will begin to learn about different ways to classify metals. Metals have several characteristic properties that distinguish them from other types of materials. Some key properties of metals include:

• Luster: Metals have a characteristic shine or luster, often described as “metallic” in appearance. This luster is due to the way that metal atoms reflect and interact with light.
• Electrical conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors of electricity. They have a high density of free electrons that are able to move easily through the material, allowing for the efficient flow of electric current.
• Thermal conductivity: Metals also exhibit high thermal conductivity, meaning they can conduct heat efficiently. This property allows metals to transfer heat energy quickly and evenly.
• Malleability: Metals can be hammered, rolled, or pressed into various shapes without breaking. 
• Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires without losing their structural integrity.
• High melting and boiling points: Metals generally have higher melting and boiling points than non-metallic substances. 

If you are looking for an instructional slide deck to help with your lessons on physical properties, look no further! Teach Starter has created a 19-slide teaching presentation to help your students grasp the differences between these distinguishing characteristics.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Encourage students who need an additional challenge to pick 1 or 2 metals and research their different physical properties. Students can then compare the properties of each.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access the choose editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time: