English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Name and describe the main fractions obtained from crude oil and their common uses
Explain how fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions and how chain length affects their properties
Predict how changes in hydrocarbon chain length influence properties such as colour, viscosity, flammability and boiling point
Save files related to this lesson
Words and meanings to learn
viscosity
a measure of how thick or runny a liquid is — the higher the viscosity, the thicker and less easily it flows
volatility
a measure of how easily a liquid evaporates and turns into a gas — substances with lower boiling points are more volatile
fractions
groups of hydrocarbons from crude oil that have similar chain lengths and boiling points
fuel
a substance that releases energy when it burns, usually by reacting with oxygen in a combustion reaction
fractional distillation
a process used to separate a mixture of liquids with different boiling points, such as separating crude oil into fractions
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.
Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.
Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.
Underpinning this is a strong foundation in applied science built across a range of industry roles. Samantha has held scientific roles at John Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire Water and WasteCare, where she led technical projects, drove operational efficiencies and ensured compliance with industry standards. Across these roles she has first-hand experience of how scientific knowledge translates into measurable outcomes in professional and commercial environments.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket.
Resources:
Teacher demo: fractional distillation and compare the viscosity and flammability of some fractions
Expert film
Mission assignment film
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze our traffic. Learn more.
