How do I Teach About the Element Aluminum?
Aluminum is a type of metal with many human uses, such as ordinary daily objects like soda cans, foil and kitchen equipment. As a chemical element, aluminum is one of the most abundant on Earth. Aluminum is part of many geological minerals and other chemical compounds. Students can easily relate information about aluminum to items in their normal lives, which makes teaching about it easier. In general, start with the familiar and work your way gradually into the details. Introduce the element with a broad overview of its properties. Give some examples of human uses so that students can relate the information to their lives. For example, tell them that aluminum is a lightweight material that is used in soda cans and foil. Explain the basic chemistry of aluminum, such as its location on the periodic table of elements, how many protons and neutrons it has, how it compares with other metals, its chemical reactivity with other elements and common compounds that include aluminum and their mo
