C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Matter & Materials·procedural

Separating Mixtures

Select and carry out appropriate separation techniques for different types of mixtures: filtration (insoluble solids), distillation (liquids by boiling point), crystallisation (dissolved solids), and chromatography (coloured substances)

Suggested ages 11–13

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Evidence of understanding

  • Selects the correct separation technique for a given mixture with justification
  • Describes the steps of simple distillation and explains why it works
  • Interprets a chromatography result (Rf values, number of components)
  • Explains why filtration removes sand from water but not salt

Assessment prompt

If Separating Mixtures needed to separate salt from sand mixed together in water, could they describe two stages of separation, the equipment needed, and explain why each step works?

Standards alignment

KS3.Sci.Chem.PIS.2GB · uk-nc-2013

Separating Mixtures

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3