Classification of Non-Living Things: Metals & Non Metals – JSS1 Basic Science Lesson Note (First Term)

Non-living things can be classified into metals and non-metals. Metals are elements that readily form positive ions and have metallic bonds. They are shiny, strong, malleable, ductile and good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals are elements that do not have the properties of metals. They are poor conductors, not shiny, and not malleable or ductile.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define metals and non-metals and give examples of each;
• state the properties of metals and non-metals;
• state the differences between metals and non-metals;
• list the uses of metals and non-metals.

What are metals?

Metals are elements that readily form positive ions and have metallic bonds. Examples are copper, iron, etc.

Properties of metals

1. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
2. They are lustrous, that is, shiny and can be polished.
3. They are malleable, that is, they are capable of being beaten into thin sheets.
4. They are ductile, that is, they can be drawn into thin wire.
5. They are generally strong and hard with high tensile strength.
6. They are sonorous, that is, they produce sound when struck.
7. They have high densities.
8. They have high melting and boiling points.

What are non-metals?

Non-metals are elements that do not have the properties of metals. Examples are sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, etc.

Properties of non-metals

1. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
2. They are not lustrous.
3. They are not malleable.
4. They are not ductile.
5. They are not sonorous.
6. They have low melting and boiling points.
7. They have low densities.

What are the differences between metals and non-metals?

What are the uses of metals?

1. They are used for building houses, bridges and water tanks.
2. They are used for manufacturing vehicles and aeroplanes.
3. They are used for making cooking utensils such as pots and kettles.
4. They are used in making cutlery such as spoons, knives and forks.
5. They are used for making trophies and jewellery.
6. They are used in automobile and building construction.

What are the uses of non-metals?

1. Wood or rubber can be used for making tool handles.
2. They are used as insulators for most electrical appliances.
3. Wood can be used to make furniture.
4. Wood is used in the construction of boats and canoes.
5. They are used in roofing buildings.
6. Plastics can be used in making containers.

Evaluation

1. What are metals? Give three examples.
2. State five examples of non-metals.
3. State three differences between metals and non-metals.

Assignment

List four properties of metals and four properties of non-metals.