Mixtures and solutions
I can use key terms to describe a solution and describe how making a solution affects its total mass.
Mixtures and solutions
I can use key terms to describe a solution and describe how making a solution affects its total mass.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A solution is formed when a soluble solid dissolves in an appropriate solvent
- In chemistry, mass is measured in grams (g)
- The mass of substances that are mixed adds together to give the total mass of the mixture (mass is conserved)
Keywords
Solute - A solute is a substance that has dissolved into a solvent.
Solvent - A solvent is a substance into which a solute dissolves.
Soluble - When a solute dissolves, it is described as soluble.
Solution - When a solute and solvent combine, a solution forms.
Conservation of mass - The combined mass of starting materials equals the combined mass of the end products.
Common misconception
Pupils confuse similarly sounding key terms; solute, solvent, solution, soluble, insoluble.
Spend time discussing ways to remember the differences, e.g. solvent has more letters = have more of it in the solution.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Mixtures and solutions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Mixtures and solutions, 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 Solutions unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions









Exit quiz
6 Questions

can dissolve in a liquid
a liquid in which a substance can dissolve
formed when a substance dissolves in a liquid
unable to dissolve in a particular liquid
