| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Chemistry |
| Lesson Topic: Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the manufacture of ethanol by: (a) fermentation (b) catalytic addition of steam to ethene |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of ethanol production by fermentation.
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of ethanol production by catalytic steam addition to ethene.
- Compare the two methods in terms of yield, energy use, cost and environmental impact.
- Evaluate which method is more appropriate for a given set of economic and sustainability criteria.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint slides with process diagrams
- Printed handouts containing the comparison table
- Worksheet for group activity
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sample ethanol bottle (for safety discussion)
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: “Why are bio‑fuels gaining attention worldwide?” Connect this to the previous lesson on alcohol properties. Explain that today students will identify the strengths and weaknesses of two industrial routes for making ethanol and will decide which is best under different circumstances.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – 3‑question quiz on ethanol uses and basic reactions.
- Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of fermentation, yeast role, and overall reaction.
- Group activity (10’) – Teams list advantages and disadvantages of fermentation on a worksheet.
- Mini‑lecture (10’) – Explain catalytic steam addition to ethene, reaction conditions, and diagram.
- Comparative analysis (10’) – Students complete a side‑by‑side comparison chart and discuss key differences.
- Check for understanding (5’) – Exit‑ticket: “Which method would you recommend for a small rural community and why?”
- Homework briefing (2’) – Assign worksheet with a case‑study scenario requiring method selection.
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Conclusion:
Recap the main advantages and disadvantages of each ethanol manufacturing route and highlight how context determines the optimal choice. Collect the exit‑ticket responses as a quick retrieval check and remind students to complete the case‑study worksheet for homework.
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