Metals are chemical elements which means they are part of the basic building blocks of our universe and cannot be broken down into anything simpler.
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When we talk about metals we usually mean things like iron, tin or lead. These are found in rocks which are called an ore.
To make the metal you have to break down the ore to separate the metal from the rock. There are a few ways to do this, you can use heat, electricity or other chemicals, depending on the type of ore.
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Once the metal is separated it can be formed into moulds, sheets, wires etc.
For more information on metals from Science Kids.
For a video on the steel making process, please see below:
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