🥄 Nature Study: Nickel

The World's Biggest Coin:
The Big Nickel

We recently took a trip to see the World's biggest coin which is made of nickel but what is nickel and why is it important? Keep reading to learn more...

Nickel: The Everyday Element Helping Build Our Modern World

When children learn about the elements, they often hear about oxygen, gold, iron, or carbon. But hidden in many everyday objects is an element that quietly helps power our world: nickel.

Nickel is a silvery-white metal found naturally in the Earth. It is strong, resistant to rust, and extremely useful. From coins to kitchen tools, batteries to stainless steel, nickel helps make many of the things families use every day possible.

Teaching elementary-aged children, nickel offers a wonderful opportunity to connect science, geography, technology, environmental studies, and everyday life.

What Is Nickel?

Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28 on the periodic table.

It belongs to the group of metals known as transition metals, alongside elements like iron and copper.

Some interesting facts kids may enjoy:

• Nickel is magnetic in certain conditions.
• It has a shiny silver appearance.
• It resists corrosion (rusting and damage).
• Many meteorites contain nickel and iron together.
• Earth’s core is believed to contain large amounts of iron and nickel.

Nickel is tough and durable, which makes it valuable in many industries.

Why Is Nickel Important?

1. Nickel Helps Make Stainless Steel

One of nickel’s biggest jobs is helping create stainless steel.

Nickel improves steel by making it:

✔ Stronger
✔ More resistant to rust
✔ Longer lasting

Families use nickel-containing stainless steel every day in:

• Sinks
• Pots and pans
• Cutlery
• Water bottles
• Appliances
• School lunch containers

Ask children to look around the kitchen or the house, there is a good chance they will spot something made with nickel-containing steel.

2. Nickel Helps Power Modern Technology

Nickel plays a major role in rechargeable batteries.

It is used in batteries found in:

• Electric vehicles
• Some electronics
• Power tools
• Rechargeable household items

As countries move toward cleaner energy and electric transportation, nickel has become even more important.

Children learning about sustainability, transportation, or future technology can explore how elements like nickel help power change.

Comparing Coins

3. Nickel Appears in Coins

Many children encounter nickel long before learning about it in science class.

In Canada and the United States, coins historically called “nickels” became closely associated with the metal.

Older Canadian nickels were even made largely from nickel.

This makes a fun history connection:

Science + money + history = engaging learning!

Try a coin investigation activity:

• Compare old and new coins
• Observe colour and weight differences
• Research what metals are used today

4. Nickel Exists Beyond Earth

Nickel is not only found on Earth.

Scientists often find nickel in meteorites, and it may also be present within planetary cores.

Many space rocks contain mixtures of iron and nickel.

This opens exciting learning discussions:

• Meteorites
• Planet formation
• Earth’s layers
• Space exploration

Kids who love astronomy may enjoy discovering that some “space rocks” contain the same element used in everyday objects.

Where Is Nickel Found?

Nickel is mined in several places around the world, including:

• Canada
• Indonesia
• Australia
• Russia

Canada has historically been one of the major producers of nickel.

For Canadian families, nickel can connect beautifully with geography lessons and discussions about natural resources.

ls Nickel Safe?

Nickel is useful, but some people have nickel allergies.

Certain jewelry, watches, or metal fasteners can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

This can become a simple lesson for children about:

• Materials science
• Allergies
• Human health
• Product design

Fun Nickel Activities for Elementary Learners

Kitchen Nickel Hunt

Search the kitchen for stainless steel objects and discuss why they resist rust.

Coin Investigation

Sort coins by size, colour, year, and metal composition.

Build a Mini Periodic Table Notebook

Create a page for nickel:

• Symbol: Ni
• Atomic number: 28
• Colour: Silvery white
• Uses: Batteries, steel, coins

Space Connection Activity

Compare meteorites and Earth’s core while discussing iron and nickel.

Rust Experiment

Compare how different metals react to water over time.

Why Children Should Learn About Nickel

Nickel may not be as famous as gold or silver, but it quietly supports daily life.

It helps build:

• Homes
• Technology
• Transportation
• Kitchen tools
• Renewable energy systems

Learning about nickel helps children realize that even lesser-known elements can have a huge impact on the world.

Take Away

The next time your family uses a stainless steel spoon, rechargeable battery, or shiny kitchen appliance, there is a good chance nickel is helping behind the scenes.

And that is a powerful lesson for young learners: sometimes the most important things are the ones we rarely notice.