Magnesium

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

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/magnesium

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. What is the element symbol?Mg
2. What is the atomic number?12
3. What is magnesium and where does it come from?Magnesium is a shiny metal that is made inside big, old stars. When those stars explode, they spread magnesium into space, where it can later become part of new stars, planets, and oceans.
4. Why is magnesium important for our bodies?Magnesium helps many of our body’s enzymes work, gives energy to cells, keeps our heart beating right, and helps our muscles and nerves work properly.

Nucleosynthesis: The process by which new atomic nuclei are created in the universe, primarily in stars.
Electrolysis: A process using electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction, used for metal extraction.
Cofactor: A non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme's activity.
Homeostasis: The tendency of a system to maintain internal stability, especially in biological systems.