Separating liquids
I can describe how a mixture of two liquids can be separated from each other.
Separating liquids
I can describe how a mixture of two liquids can be separated from each other.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Immiscible liquids do not mix and if allowed to settle, one will float above the other.
- Immiscible liquids can be separated by decanting or using a separating funnel.
- If left, miscible liquids do not separate into layers.
- The boiling points of liquids can be used to separate miscible liquids by changing states.
Keywords
Density - Density is a measurement of mass per unit volume; how tightly packed a substance's particles are in a particular space.
Boiling point - The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid state to a gas state.
Immiscible - Liquids that are not soluble in another liquid are described as immiscible in that liquid.
Miscible - Liquids that dissolve in another liquid are described as miscible in that liquid.
Decanting - Decanting is a process of pouring off the top layer in a mixture of immiscible liquids, or a liquid and insoluble solid.
Common misconception
If a substance cannot be seen, it has disappeared and is no longer present.
Remind pupils of work regarding evaporation and use particle models to describe / explain what a solution of two liquids is like.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Separating liquids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Separating liquids, 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.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Measurement of mass per unit volume.
Liquids that are not soluble in another liquid.
Liquids that dissolve in another liquid.
Process of pouring off the top layer in a mixture of liquids
A mixture comprised of a solute dissolved in a solvent.