Brains On! Science podcast for kids How is metal made?
Dec 2, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of metals, from their cosmic origins to their everyday uses! Learn how early humans found native metals and transformed them into tools and jewelry. Hear about unique iron meteorites and incredible artifacts like Tutankhamen's dagger. Explore the story of Otzi the Iceman and the dawn of smelting, as well as the evolution from copper to bronze and steel. Finally, find out how mastering steel shaped human civilization in profound ways!
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Metals Come From Exploding Stars
- Most metals on Earth originate inside massive stars that explode and seed the cosmos with elements.
- These elements later clump to form planets and supply the raw materials humans find and use.
Meteorites Supplied Early Iron
- People sometimes obtained metal from meteorites, which are heavy and distinct rocks from space.
- Meteoric iron was prized and used in special objects, like Tutankhamen's dagger.
Ötzi's Axe Revealed Ancient Smelting
- In the 1990s hikers found a 5,300-year-old frozen body (Ötzi) in the Alps that preserved his tools.
- His copper axe head showed people were smelting and casting metal across Italy thousands of years ago.
