Erbium finds uses in welding masks, wrinkle removers, and Internet connections. Chemistry professors share their excitement about the properties and applications of this interesting rare earth element. The video fits as part of a series on each element on the periodic table.

Concepts

chemical elements, the periodic table

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Read about current applications of erbium, including faster Internet
• Create a timeline from the discovery of this element to the current uses

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on some basic prior knowledge of fiber optics

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Offers closed captioning in English and Portuguese for the hearing impaired
• Connects to technology scientists are using and improvements coming in the near future

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4