Earth metals, also known as rare earth metals, are a group of 17 metallic elements that have unique properties and are essential in various industries and technologies such as electronics, green energy, and defense. Yet, many people, including students, are not aware or knowledgeable about the importance of earth metals and their applications. Thus, it’s crucial to teach students about earth metals as part of a science or environmental education curriculum.
Firstly, introducing students to earth metals requires an understanding of their origin, characteristics, and composition. Earth metals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth’s crust and are named ‘rare’ because they are not found in large deposits. These elements share similar physical and chemical properties, such as high melting points, strong magnetism, and unique luminescence, giving them exceptional industrial applications. Therefore, providing students with a broad overview of the characteristics of earth metals would help them appreciate and comprehend their importance in various fields.
Secondly, teaching students about the application of earth metals is paramount. For instance, earth metals are used in the production of critical components in electronics, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. The strong magnets and luminescence properties of earth metals also make them indispensable in the production of wind turbines, electric vehicles, and solar panels. Additionally, earth metals play a critical role in the defense industry, providing essential components for missiles, radar technology, and communication devices. Thus, students should learn about the impact of earth metals in technology, the economy, and society.
Moreover, students should also learn about the environmental impact of mining and producing earth metals. The extraction of earth metals can result in environmental degradation and pollution if not done responsibly. Therefore, it’s essential to teach students about the potential environmental risks and ways to minimize them, such as employing sustainable mining practices, recycling, and reducing the use of earth metals in non-critical applications.
