What do moon rocks and bullet-proof glass have in common? An episode of a series that highlights each element on the periodic table answers this question and more. It shares the properties, history, and current applications of the rare-earth element.

Concepts

chemical elements, the periodic table

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss in more detail why yttrium is stable in large pieces but highly dangerous as metal shavings
• Research the 32 synthetic isotopes of yttrium and their uses

Classroom Considerations

• Be aware the comment section has many comments from those who don't believe in the moon landing

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Connects history, science, and technology
• Provides subtitles in English and Portuguese for the hearing impaired

Cons

• None

Common Core

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