Calcium

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/calcium

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who discovered Calcium?Pure calcium isolated via electrolysis by Humphry Davy in 1808
2. What is the scientific classification?Alkaline earth metal (Group 2 element)
3. What is the natural abundance?Fifth most abundant element in Earth's crust; third most abundant metal
4. What is calcium and why is it important for bones?Calcium is a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth. It also helps muscles and nerves work properly.
5. How does calcium help muscles and nerves?Calcium ions travel across cell membranes, sending signals that make muscles contract and nerves send messages.

Electrolyte: A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water.
Second Messenger: A molecule that relays signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules within the cell.
Cofactor: A non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme's activity.
Calcination: The process of heating a solid material to a high temperature to cause decomposition or remove volatile constituents.