Jobs that non-metals do

You breathe a non-metal all day long. Which one?

It is oxygen, the part of air your body uses.

The new words

• Element — a substance no chemical change can split into simpler ones. Iron, copper, oxygen and sulfur are elements.
• Antiseptic — a liquid that kills germs on a cut or wound.

Vital means very important. A fertiliser adds minerals that plants need to the soil. Oxygen, chlorine, iodine, nitrogen and carbon are all elements.

The rule

Non-metals do vital jobs. Chlorine cleans water. Iodine is an antiseptic for wounds. Nitrogen is in fertilisers. Oxygen is for breathing. Carbon is in all living things.

A wound needs a trusted adult or a doctor. Never put iodine or any chemical on one yourself.

Now try it. Read the job. Tap the non-metal that does it.

Try the lab to finish this lesson.