How can you tell they’ve got it: Metals vs Non-Metals?

If they’ve got it, you’ll see things like: 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. Or just try it together: 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?

Science Matter & Materials Ages 11–13

Metals vs Non-Metals

Your child can spot a metal by its features. It is shiny, bends without breaking, and carries electricity. This is why metals are used for wires and pans.

In curriculum terms

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

Ages are typical, not deadlines — follow your child’s pace. How to help at home →

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

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

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Try this together

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?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

The Periodic Tableages 11–12Metal properties and reactivity predictions are read from the periodic table

Metals vs Non-Metalsthis skill · ages 11–13

Unlocks

The Reactivity Seriesages 12–14The reactivity series orders metals by their chemical reactivity — metal properties must be understood first

Types of Chemical Reactionages 12–13Displacement reactions require understanding that metals differ in reactivity — metal properties provide the context

Ceramics, Polymers & Compositesages 13–14Understanding ceramics, polymers and composites is enriched by knowledge of metal and non-metal properties

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Where this fits in the official school curriculum — our best automated guess, not yet checked by a person.

This skill sits outside the F–6 Australian Curriculum — no candidate code matched (v0.1). No NSW K–6 outcome code matched (v0.1). No Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code matched (v0.1).

Nearby on the map

Atoms, Elements & Compoundsages 11–12 How Materials Change Stateages 11–12 Physical vs Chemical Changesages 11–13 Pure Substances & Mixturesages 11–13

All Matter & Materials skills →