Rare Earths fact sheet

Topic

Geology / Mineral Formation

Mining

Type of Resource

Fact Sheet

Year Level

Years 3-6

Years 7-10

Subject

Science

SOSE

Sector

Energy & Renewables

Resources for

Students & Teachers

Download Resource
Australian Curriculum Content Statements

Introduction

Rare earths are in increasing demand worldwide for use in many modern technological devices such as electric motors, magnets, lasers, batteries, computer and LCD television screens, iPods, mobile phones and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. They are also essential in energy efficient technologies such as low-energy light bulbs and hybrid cars and renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines. In this fact sheet information on the uses and some properties of the rare earth elements is provided. It describes where these elements are mined in Australia.

Educational value statement

    • Provides detailed information on the uses of the elements lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and yttrium.
    • Can be downloaded as a PDF file

 

Key learning objectives

    • Students explain what the rare earth elements are, and explain their importance in high technology applications
    • Students give examples of how the uses of rare earth elements are related to their properties
    • Students describe the uses of particular rare earth elements

 

Strands

    • Science Understanding: Chemical sciences; Earth and space sciences
    • Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of science