Why do slugs need copper?

Not exactly the question on all our lips but a slug is just one example of the many living things which depend upon copper for their very existence and one of the many fascinating facts which can be found in a new, on-line educational resource on copper for 12-16 year old students.

Copper is a most versatile metal with an essential role in our everyday lives – essential for health, for technology, for bringing power to our homes and offices and for transport. Plenty of scope then to produce some fascinating, curriculum-related material for KS3 and KS4 Chemistry, Physics and Biology students.

Interactive electronic resources examine the biological, physical and chemical properties of copper and how these relate to everyday uses of this vital element. Students can start from the ‘Properties and Uses’ section and take the challenge to discover some of the many uses of copper around a typical house. From here, students can link to further information on:

• copper in health
• copper for life
• mining
• extraction
• electromagnets
• the electric motor.

These so called e-sources (electronic resources) are hosted on the Schoolscience website, which explores the basic science behind many aspects of the National Curriculum and its equivalents, and extends to show applications of that science in the world in which students live. All e-sources use interactive features, designed to stimulate and excite students about the science covered. Pages have self-marking questions to allow students and their teachers to assess the level of understanding achieved.

And the answer to the slug question? Join the growing number of visitors to these new copper e-sources on the Schoolscience website. You’ll find the answer at:

http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/content/3/biology/copper/copch31pg1.html

Copper facts from the Schoolscience website:

1. The earliest known copper article is a pendant dating from 9000 BC in Asia Minor.
2. We require 1–3 milligrams per day of copper to prevent any symptoms of deficit.
3. 184,000 tonness of copper were used for the first production of the eight new Euro coins.
4. The largest nugget of native copper ever found came from Minnesota, USA and weighed over 400 tonnes.
5. Every year, the world demand for copper is about 15 million tonnes.
6. Ever since copper was first mined, it has been recycled. Today, 40% of the need is met by recycled copper - conserving the earth's resources.
7. Copper is essential for the synthesis of collagen. This is found in connective tissue, the main supporting and binding tissue of the body.
8. Copper has the best electrical conductivity of any metal, except silver.
9. Chocolate is a rich source of copper!

April 2003
PR 615

For editorial enquiries contact:

Marilyn Comparetto
Copper Development Association
5 Grovelands Business Centre
Boundary Way
Hemel Hempstead HP2 7TE
Tel: 01442 275700
Email: marilyn.comparetto@copperdev.co.uk