PCK 2 : PROPERTIES OF COPPER AND BRONZE

You are given a piece of copper and a piece of bronze of similar size, shape and

thickness. Compare and contrast their properties.

At the end of this activity, answer the following questions:

What have you learnt from this activity?

Which part of the primary science curriculum teaches this particular topic?

Discuss how you can use this activity in your teaching and learning.

What was the role of the teacher in this activity?

1) What have you learnt from this activity?

Definition of Copper

Copper is a common metal of a reddish color, both ductile and malleable, and very

tenacious. It is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity. Symbol is Cu.

Atomic weight is 63.3. It is one of the most useful metals in itself, and also in its

alloys, brass and bronze.

Definition of Bronze

Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main

additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so

that the Bronze Age was named after the metal.

Properties of Copper

a good electrical conductor

a good thermal conductor

corrosion resistant

easily joined

ductile

easy to alloy

attractive colour

tough

Properties of Bronze

less brittle

soft and weak

a good conductor of heat

a good conductor of electricity

resist corrosion

Comparison between Copper and Bronze

Copper Differences Bronze

Cu ion soluble in water Solubility Insoluble in water

Able to conduct electric ElectricityNot able to conduct

electricity

Reddish brown Colour Medium brown

Can react with oxygen Reaction Cannot react with oxygen

Resistant to corrosion Corrosion Can rust

More brittle Malleable Less brittle

2) Which part of the primary science curriculum teaches this particular topic?

Investigate about the nature.

3) Discuss how you can use this activity in your teaching and learning.

In this topic, before start the lesson teacher may asking student what is their prior

knowledge about copper and bronze. Teacher also can make a video about this

topic to make it more interesting and it will attract student to focus and want to know

deeper about this topic. And then, show a few picture of copper and bronze in front

of class. In group, teacher gives a task to the student. The task is about: make a

comparison between copper and bronze. They can find the information from the

library or by surfing the internet. As we all know, education now is a worldwide. After

that, students present their findings about the copper and bronze in front of class.

Teacher makes a discussion with the whole class to make sure they are absolutely

understand about this topic. Then, teacher can ask them to find all the things or

object around us that made up from copper and bronze.

4) What was the role of the teacher in this activity?

Teacher acts as a facilitator or guidance. Teacher may guide student while they are

searching for information about copper and bronze from many source such as

books, magazine and internet.