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
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Words and meanings to learn
fuel
a substance that releases energy when it burns, usually by reacting with oxygen in a combustion reaction
fractions
groups of hydrocarbons from crude oil that have similar chain lengths and boiling points
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
fractional distillation
a process used to separate a mixture of liquids with different boiling points, such as separating crude oil into fractions
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.
Samantha has written the complete KS4 Science curriculum, fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Science: Trilogy specification. Covering biology, chemistry and physics, the curriculum is carefully sequenced so that students build knowledge cumulatively and see clear connections between concepts across the three sciences. Drawing on her experience as an examiner and on research into effective teaching, she has designed it to embed retrieval practice, clear explanation, worked examples and the required practicals throughout, preparing students for the demands of the GCSE exams. Grounded in the realities of the classroom, the curriculum is rigorous for students and manageable for busy teachers.
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Resources:
Teacher demo: fractional distillation and compare the viscosity and flammability of some fractions
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Mission assignment film
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