Definition: A powdered substance produced by firing (calcining) calcium carbonate (limestone) and clay that develops strong cohesive properties when mixed with water. The main ingredient of concrete.
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! Today we’re tackling ‘cement,’ a word you've likely heard – it’s quite the important bird! (Okay, not literally a bird, but let’s keep the rhymes flowing!) The dictionary gives us a good explanation, don’t you agree? Let's break it down piece by piece: It starts with “powdered substance” , like dust, you see, Made from things we find naturally – for you and me! Specifically, we take “calcium carbonate,” that’s limestone bright, And mix it with some “clay,” to make this mixture right. Then comes the magic, a fiery art, We “fire” or "calcine" – play your part! (Think of an oven, hot and grand!) This process changes things, you understand? Into a powder that’s strong, across the land. Now here's the key, the reason it’s so neat, When mixed with “water,” oh what a treat! It gains these “cohesive properties” , don’t you know? Meaning it sticks together, and helps things grow! And finally, listen close, this is the prize, Cement is the main ingredient in concrete's guise. Concrete builds our buildings, strong and tall, Thanks to the power of cement, answering nature’s call! Do you have any questions about that? Let’s discuss how cement works its magic – it’s truly a fascinating process. Now, who can tell me in their own words what we learned today?