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Science lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 30 minutes

Choose the best way to separate a mixture

Materials and their properties

CCSS NGSS.5-PS1-3England: KS2 Y5 Properties and changes of materials

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Choose the best way to separate a mixture.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Separating mixtures; Mixture or solution? Tell them apart

Leads to: the next skill in this area.

Materials: A tray of everyday objects, Sorting hoops, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Separating mixtures; Mixture or solution? Tell them apart). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Which method is best to separate sugar from sugar solution? (sieving / filtering / evaporating / using a magnet) → evaporatingPrompt: Is anything dissolved? Is anything magnetic? Are the bits different sizes?
  2. Is this a solution or a mixture that is not a solution: seawater? (solution / mixture that is not a solution) → solutionPrompt: After stirring and waiting, can you still see separate bits or layers?
  3. Which method is best to separate iron filings from sand? (sieving / filtering / evaporating / using a magnet) → using a magnetPrompt: Is anything dissolved? Is anything magnetic? Are the bits different sizes?

Hook · 3 min

  • Pass round objects made of different materials and ask why each one was chosen.
  • Share the objective: Choose the best way to separate a mixture. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: What is the best way to separate pebbles and sand?
  • Step 1: Small sand grains fall through the sieve's holes; pebbles stay on top.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: sieving
  • Answer: sieving
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. What is the best way to separate sand and water? (letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer / evaporating / filtering / using a magnet) → filteringPrompt: Think about the properties: size, magnetism, dissolving, floating.
  2. In some dry countries, drinking water is made from seawater. Which process gets fresh water out? (evaporating the water and condensing it again (distillation) / freezing the salt out with a fan / using a magnet / sieving the sea) → evaporating the water and condensing it again (distillation)Prompt: Evaporation leaves the salt behind; how could you catch the water?

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. What is the best way to separate oil floating on water? (evaporating / filtering / sieving / letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer) → letting it settle, then pouring off the top layerPrompt: Think about the properties: size, magnetism, dissolving, floating.
  2. Why can't filtering separate salt from salt water? (Salt is magnetic. / The salt is too heavy. / Dissolved salt particles are small enough to pass through the filter paper. / Filter paper dissolves in salt water.) → Dissolved salt particles are small enough to pass through the filter paper.Prompt: How small are particles in a solution?

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Separating mixtures.
  • Use concrete materials: a tray of everyday objects.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-5.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Choose the best way to separate a mixture

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    What is the best way to separate salt dissolved in water?

    • A. evaporating
    • B. sieving
    • C. letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer
    • D. using a magnet

  2. Question 2

    Why can't filtering separate salt from salt water?

    • A. Filter paper dissolves in salt water.
    • B. Salt is magnetic.
    • C. Dissolved salt particles are small enough to pass through the filter paper.
    • D. The salt is too heavy.

  3. Question 3

    What is the best way to separate pebbles and sand?

    • A. filtering
    • B. evaporating
    • C. sieving
    • D. letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer

  4. Question 4

    What is the best way to separate iron filings and sand?

    • A. evaporating
    • B. letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer
    • C. filtering
    • D. using a magnet

  5. Question 5

    What is the best way to separate oil floating on water?

    • A. evaporating
    • B. letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer
    • C. filtering
    • D. using a magnet

  6. Question 6

    Why do recycling plants use magnets and air jets to sort rubbish?

    • A. To make the rubbish heavier.
    • B. To melt the plastics.
    • C. They separate materials using their different properties, such as magnetism and weight.
    • D. To make the rubbish cleaner.

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Answer key: Choose the best way to separate a mixture

  1. 1. A. evaporating

  2. 2. C. Dissolved salt particles are small enough to pass through the filter paper.

  3. 3. C. sieving

  4. 4. D. using a magnet

  5. 5. B. letting it settle, then pouring off the top layer

  6. 6. C. They separate materials using their different properties, such as magnetism and weight.