At extremely high temperatures, zirconium spontaneously ignites in air. Learn more about the other properties of zirconium and observe zirconium lumps and shavings. The video finds its place as the 40th in a series of 118 covering the elements of the periodic table.

Concepts

chemical elements, the periodic table

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss the safety of nuclear power plants

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of corrosion and the properties of transition metals
• Consider the maturity of pupils as the video mentions drinking vodka as a method of cheering yourself up

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Demonstrates an experiment not allowed in most schools
• Connects science, geography, and technology

Cons

• None

Common Core

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