Metal > Issaquah Schools Foundation

Metal is a solid material which is typically hard, shiny, malleable (able to be manipulated), fusible (will stick to itself when heated) and conducts electricity and heat.

Since 6000BC, people have been making and using utensils, adornments, art and weapons out of metal. Very quickly, people started making them beautiful as well as useful. The 'ancient' metals were gold, silver, tin, copper, lead, iron and mercury. The most commonly used were gold and copper because of their prevalence.

Before the 19th century there were 24 known metals. Now there are 86. Because metal was so valuable, rare and could be so beautiful, people also began using it as jewelry. In ancient times, people literally wore their wealth. Because metal is so versatile, its uses are incredibly varied.

Metals are found in many of our products today. Where can you find metal in your classroom?

Teaching: Show students the images below. Ask whether it is something useful, ornamental or both.

Sample Projects:

Make wire sculpture
Make wire butterflies using wire and beads.
Copper plate relief.
Make an “Icon” and surround it with gold leaf or gold leaf paint. The icon does not have to be religious. It could be a picture of anything of real value to the child. Or as in the example below, use tin-foil as an element of a picture.

Wine Vessel (China), Shang Period.