Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid
I can use my understanding of the properties of solids and liquids to work out how to separate some mixtures.
Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid
I can use my understanding of the properties of solids and liquids to work out how to separate some mixtures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Magnets attract iron and steel
- Insoluble solids can be separated from a liquid using a filter by a process known as filtration.
- Filter paper is folded to make a pocket that fits in a filter funnel for filtering fine particles
- A drop of water on a filter funnel helps keep the filter paper cone open for easy filtering
Keywords
Filtration - a process that separates insoluble substances from a liquid using a filter
Filter paper - placed inside the filter funnel to separate the insoluble solid from the liquid in the mixture
Filter funnel - is cone-shaped with a tube, and is placed in the top of the conical flask when filtering.
Residue - the insoluble solid collected in the filter paper
Filtrate - the liquid separated from the insoluble solid
Common misconception
A funnel is the same as a filter. Dissolved substances will be collected in the filter paper.
A filter separates materials. Dissolved substances are smaller than the pores in the filter paper and so will pass through with the liquid.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Separation techniques unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
A substance which can dissolve in a liquid.
To divide something into its different parts.
A substance which cannot dissolve in a liquid.
Items needed to perform a task.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The insoluble solid collected in the filter paper.
The liquid separated from the insoluble solid.
To physically divide different parts of a mixture.
Unable to dissolve in a liquid.
the teabag
the tea drink
the tea leaves
holes in the teabag
