SC8 Q2W4D4: Importance of Metals and Nonmetals in Everyday Life)

🎯 Learning Goals

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. Identify at least 5 examples of metals and nonmetals used in daily life with 80% accuracy.
2. Differentiate the roles of metals and nonmetals in human health, technology, and the environment through group discussion.
3. Explain in writing how the properties of metals and nonmetals make them essential in everyday applications such as construction, medicine, and household use.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

• Metal - element that is generally shiny, malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity.
• Nonmetal - element that is usually dull, brittle (if solid), and a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
• Alloy - mixture of metals (or metal with nonmetal) designed to improve properties.
• Essential element - element required by living organisms for normal growth and function (e.g., Fe, Ca, I).
• Sustainability - responsible use and recycling of resources to reduce environmental impact.

🔄 Prior Knowledge

Quick Prompt: From Day 3, recall one metal and one nonmetal you classified, and state one property of each that explains a common use.

Show Example Answer

Metal: Copper (Cu) — high electrical conductivity — used for wires.
Nonmetal: Oxygen (O₂) — supports respiration — essential for life.

📖 Explore the Lesson (Day 4 – Importance of Metals and Nonmetals in Everyday Life)

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🌟 1. Introduction: Why This Lesson Matters

Every day, without realizing it, we interact with metals and nonmetals. From the steel bridges we cross, the oxygen we breathe, the batteries in our phones, to the carbon-based molecules in our bodies—metals and nonmetals shape every aspect of human existence.

• Metals give us strength, durability, and conductivity.
• Nonmetals give us life, energy, and balance.

Guiding Question: If you had to live one day without metals and one day without nonmetals, which would be harder? Why?

Show Answer

Both are essential: without metals, there would be no tools, transport, or electricity; without nonmetals, there would be no oxygen, food, or life.

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⚡ 2. Metals in Daily Life

Metals are everywhere—from buildings to coins, jewelry, and technology.

Key Roles of Metals:

1. Construction & Infrastructure – Iron (Fe), steel, aluminum (Al).
2. Transportation – Cars, airplanes, ships use lightweight and strong metals.
3. Electronics & Energy – Copper (Cu) for wiring, lithium (Li) for batteries.
4. Health & Medicine – Calcium (Ca) in bones, iron (Fe) in blood (hemoglobin).
5. Currency & Value – Gold (Au) and silver (Ag) as symbols of wealth.

Checkpoint: Why is aluminum often chosen for airplane construction?

Show Answer

Aluminum is strong, lightweight, and resistant to rust—perfect for flight.

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🌱 3. Nonmetals in Daily Life

Nonmetals may seem less visible, but they are the foundation of life and health.

Key Roles of Nonmetals:

1. Breathing & Life – Oxygen (O₂) is essential for respiration.
2. Nutrition & Growth – Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S).
3. Communication & Technology – Nonmetals like carbon (in graphite) used in pencils, silicon dioxide (SiO₂) in glass.
4. Health & Medicine – Iodine (I) prevents goiter, chlorine (Cl) used in water treatment.
5. Environment & Climate – Carbon dioxide (CO₂) regulates climate; ozone (O₃) protects against UV rays.

Guiding Question: Which nonmetal do you think has the biggest impact on your body’s survival?

Show Answer

Oxygen, because without it, cells cannot produce energy.

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🧪 4. Case Studies & Real-World Connections

Case Study 1: Metals in Technology

• Copper wires in smartphones enable fast charging and signal transmission.
• Lithium in rechargeable batteries powers laptops and electric cars.

Activity: Open a broken electronic device (safely, if possible). Can you spot any shiny wires or metallic parts?

Case Study 2: Nonmetals in Agriculture

• Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers increase crop yield.
• Sulfur is used to protect plants from pests.

Checkpoint: Why do farmers add nitrogen fertilizers to soil?

Show Answer

To replenish nitrogen, which plants need to make proteins and grow.

Case Study 3: Human Health

• Iron deficiency → anemia.
• Iodine deficiency → goiter.
• Calcium deficiency → weak bones.

Mini-Investigation: Research one disease caused by deficiency in a metal or nonmetal, and explain how supplementing it can restore health.

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🔥 5. Metals vs Nonmetals: A Comparison

Aspect	Metals	Nonmetals
Role in Body	Iron in blood, calcium in bones	Oxygen in respiration, carbon in DNA
Technology	Copper in wires, lithium in batteries	Silicon dioxide in glass, carbon in graphite
Construction	Steel beams, aluminum frames	Carbon in wood, sulfur in cement additives
Health	Zinc for immunity, magnesium for enzymes	Iodine for thyroid, chlorine for disinfection

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🌍 6. Sustainability & Environmental Impact

While metals and nonmetals are essential, their extraction and use can harm the environment.

• Mining metals damages ecosystems and causes pollution.
• Burning fossil fuels (carbon-based nonmetals) leads to climate change.
• Overuse of fertilizers causes water pollution.

Critical Thinking Question: How can we balance the benefits of using metals and nonmetals with environmental protection?

Show Answer

Through recycling, sustainable mining, renewable energy, and controlled use of fertilizers.

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🔎 7. Discovery Activity: “My Life in Metals & Nonmetals”

Task:

1. List 5 metals you used today (directly or indirectly).
2. List 5 nonmetals you used today.
3. Reflect: Which group do you depend on more for survival?

Example:

• Metals: spoon (stainless steel), phone battery (lithium), bike frame (aluminum), jewelry (gold), wires (copper).
• Nonmetals: air (oxygen, nitrogen), drinking water (hydrogen, oxygen), sugar (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen), medicine (iodine), glass (silicon dioxide).

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🧭 8. Checkpoints for Deeper Thinking

1. Checkpoint 1: Why is oxygen more essential for immediate survival than iron?
2. Checkpoint 2: Why are metals preferred for skyscrapers but not for breathing masks?
3. Checkpoint 3: How do the properties of each group match their functions in life and industry?

Show Sample Answer

Oxygen is needed every second for respiration. Metals provide strength and conductivity, while nonmetals are essential in cycles that sustain life.

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📚 References

• Zumdahl, S. S., Zumdahl, S. A., & DeCoste, D. (2018). Chemistry (10th Ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Silberberg, M. (2013). Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Madriaga, E. (2015). Science Links: Worktext for Scientific and Technological Literacy. Rex Book Store Inc.
• Helmenstine, A. M. (2020). The Role of Metals and Nonmetals in Daily Life. ThoughtCo.

💡 Example in Action (Day 4 – Importance of Metals and Nonmetals in Everyday Life)

✨ Example 1: Copper in Electrical Wiring

Use: Copper (Cu) is widely used in electrical wires because it conducts electricity efficiently.
Importance: Without copper, household appliances and power grids would not function properly.

Now You Try 1: Why is aluminum also used in electrical wiring and power lines?

Show Answer

Because aluminum is lightweight, cheaper than copper, and still a good conductor of electricity, making it suitable for long-distance transmission.

✨ Example 2: Iron in Blood

Use: Iron (Fe) is a vital part of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Importance: It helps transport oxygen throughout the body.

Now You Try 2: What disease can result from iron deficiency, and what food sources help prevent it?

Show Answer

Anemia; foods rich in iron include red meat, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.

✨ Example 3: Oxygen for Breathing

Use: Oxygen (O₂) is the most essential nonmetal for life.
Importance: Without oxygen, humans cannot survive more than a few minutes.

Now You Try 3: Which nonmetal gas is the most abundant in the atmosphere but cannot be directly used by most organisms?

Show Answer

Nitrogen (N₂), which must be “fixed” into compounds like nitrates by bacteria or industrial processes before plants can use it.

✨ Example 4: Gold in Jewelry and Electronics

Use: Gold (Au) is valued for beauty and corrosion resistance. It is also used in electronics for reliable connections.
Importance: Shows the dual role of metals as both cultural symbols and advanced technology materials.

Now You Try 4: Why is silver (Ag) preferred for some electrical contacts instead of gold, despite tarnishing?

Show Answer

Because silver is the best electrical conductor of all elements, making it ideal for specialized applications.

✨ Example 5: Iodine in Medicine

Use: Iodine (I) is a nonmetal essential for thyroid hormone production.
Importance: Prevents goiter and is also used as a disinfectant.

Now You Try 5: Why is chlorine (Cl) added to drinking water supplies?

Show Answer

To kill harmful bacteria and prevent waterborne diseases.

📝 Try It Out (5 items)

Directions: Answer the following. Classify or explain the role of metals and nonmetals.

1. Name one metal commonly used in transportation and explain why.
2. Which nonmetal is essential for respiration?
3. Why is calcium (Ca) important for human health?
4. Which nonmetal protects living organisms by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays?
5. Why is copper (Cu) important in electrical wiring?

Show Answer

1. Aluminum (Al) – lightweight and strong, used in airplanes.
2. Oxygen (O₂) – required for breathing and energy production.
3. Builds strong bones and teeth, prevents osteoporosis.
4. Ozone (O₃) in the atmosphere.
5. Excellent conductor of electricity, allowing efficient power transfer.

📝 Extended Try It Out (5 more)

Directions: Complete the items below.

6. True or False: Nonmetals are usually good conductors of heat.
7. Give one example of a nonmetal used in agriculture.
8. Which metal is commonly used in jewelry because it does not rust?
9. Why is iodine (I) added to table salt?
10. Give two examples of how metals are used in construction.

Show Answer

6. False – nonmetals are poor conductors.
7. Nitrogen (N) – used in fertilizers.
8. Gold (Au) – does not corrode or tarnish easily.
9. To prevent iodine deficiency and goiter.
10. Iron/steel beams, aluminum frames for windows/doors.

✅ Check Yourself (10-item Mixed Quiz)

Directions: Answer the following questions.

🔹 Part A. Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. Which metal is essential in hemoglobin for carrying oxygen in the blood?
   a. Calcium (Ca)   b. Iron (Fe)   c. Magnesium (Mg)   d. Zinc (Zn)
2. Which nonmetal is added to drinking water to kill harmful bacteria?
   a. Iodine (I)   b. Oxygen (O₂)   c. Chlorine (Cl)   d. Nitrogen (N₂)
3. Which property makes aluminum suitable for building airplanes?
   a. Brittle and dense   b. Heavy and dull   c. Lightweight and strong   d. Expensive and rare
4. Which nonmetal forms the backbone of organic molecules like DNA and proteins?
   a. Carbon (C)   b. Oxygen (O)   c. Nitrogen (N)   d. Sulfur (S)

🔹 Part B. True or False (5–7)

5. Gold is used in electronics because it rusts easily.
6. Oxygen is needed by cells to produce energy through respiration.
7. Iodine is important for thyroid hormone production.

🔹 Part C. Short Answer (8–10)

8. Give one example of a metal used in construction and explain its role.
9. Name one nonmetal essential for agriculture and explain why.
10. Explain why copper is commonly used in household electrical wiring.

Show Answer Key

Part A
1. b – Iron (Fe)
2. c – Chlorine (Cl)
3. c – Lightweight and strong
4. a – Carbon (C)

Part B
5. False – gold does not rust, making it reliable.
6. True
7. True

Part C
8. Iron/steel – provides strength for beams and structures.
9. Nitrogen – used in fertilizers to promote plant growth.
10. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and durable.

🚀 Go Further (Day 4 – Importance of Metals and Nonmetals in Everyday Life)

Directions: Choose at least one activity to complete.

1. Metal Hunt at Home 🔎
   Find 5 objects at home made of metals. Identify the type of metal if possible (e.g., aluminum can, iron pan, copper wire).
   Example

   Spoon – stainless steel; Can – aluminum; Wire – copper; Pan – iron; Jewelry – gold.
2. Nonmetal Life Saver 🌱
   Research one nonmetal essential for health (e.g., oxygen, iodine, nitrogen). Write how it helps humans survive.
   Sample Answer

   Iodine prevents goiter and helps in thyroid hormone production.
3. Poster Project 🎨
   Create a poster comparing the uses of metals and nonmetals in everyday life. Divide the poster into two sections: “Metals in Life” and “Nonmetals in Life.”
   Example Content

   Metals → construction, transportation, wiring, jewelry. Nonmetals → breathing, agriculture, medicine, water treatment.
4. Future Tech Research 💻
   Pick one modern invention (e.g., smartphone, electric car, solar panel). Identify which metals and nonmetals are used in it.
   Sample Answer

   Smartphone → lithium (battery), copper (wires), silicon (chip), oxygen & carbon (polymers and screen materials).
5. Debate Activity ⚖️
   Topic: “Metals are more important than Nonmetals.” Form two groups: one supports metals, the other supports nonmetals. Each group presents at least 3 arguments.
   Possible Points

   Metals group: essential for infrastructure, transport, and energy. Nonmetals group: essential for breathing, food, medicine, and life.

🔗 My Reflection

❓ Guiding Questions

Answer in your notebook:

1. Which metal or nonmetal did I learn today that surprised me the most, and why?
2. How do the uses of metals and nonmetals affect my daily routines?
3. Which group (metals or nonmetals) do I think is more important for human survival? Defend my answer.
4. How can I help ensure that metals and nonmetals are used sustainably in society?

✅ Reflection Checklist

Put a ✔️ mark for the items you agree with:

• I can identify at least 3 metals and 3 nonmetals used in daily life.
• I understand how metals are used in construction, transportation, and technology.
• I understand how nonmetals are essential in health, environment, and survival.
• I can explain one disease caused by deficiency in a metal or nonmetal.
• I can suggest one way to use metals and nonmetals more sustainably.