English National Curriculum - Science

Reactions and uses of alcohols

Mission Objectives

Identify alcohols as organic compounds containing the –OH functional group

Describe what happens when the first four alcohols react with sodium, burn in air, dissolve in water and react with an oxidising agent

Describe how ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugar using yeast

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

functional group

the part of a molecule that determines how it reacts; all compounds in a homologous series have the same functional group

hydroxyl group

a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (–OH) that is characteristic of alcohols and determines their chemical properties

structural formula

a way of showing the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, including the functional group, that makes it clear how the atoms are connected

fermentation

a biological process in which sugars are converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide by yeast under anaerobic conditions

oxidising

providing oxygen to a substance

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

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 Batch

Samantha is a dedicated and accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience in the field, coupled with a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven track record of strategically managing educational departments, driving operational efficiencies, and nurturing collaborative relationships with stakeholders. 

Samantha previously served as the Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 teaching experience and leadership. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, she is also an examiner for AQA, providing her with valuable insight into assessment standards and exam specifications.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket, where she's enthusiastically honing her skills both on and off the pitch!

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