Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the separation of petroleum into useful fractions by fractional distillation
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the principle of fractional distillation and how boiling‑point differences enable separation of petroleum fractions.
  • Identify the main equipment components of a fractional distillation column and explain their functions.
  • Explain the sequence of fraction collection and relate each fraction to its typical boiling range and common uses.
  • Interpret a schematic diagram to locate the reboiler, packing, trays, and condenser.
  • Evaluate factors that affect separation efficiency, such as column height, packing type, and temperature control.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector with PowerPoint slides (diagram of column, fraction table)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout containing a schematic of the distillation column and fraction data
  • Sample images of petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc.)
  • Thermometer demonstration video or physical demo
  • Worksheet for guided note‑taking and matching activity
  • Optional desktop simulation of fractional distillation
 Introduction:
Begin with the question “What everyday products come from crude oil?” and have students brainstorm. Connect this to prior knowledge of fuels and highlight that the lesson will reveal how these products are separated. State the success criteria: students will describe the process, name the equipment, and match fractions to their uses.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students list petroleum products they use daily; share responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain the principle of boiling‑point‑based separation; show a schematic of the column.
  3. Equipment tour (8') – Discuss each component (reboiler, packing, trays, condenser, thermometer) using the handout.
  4. Process walkthrough (12') – Step‑by‑step animation of the fractional distillation process with concept‑checking questions.
  5. Group activity (10') – Pairs match fractions to boiling‑range tables and typical uses on the worksheet; teacher circulates for feedback.
  6. Formative check (5') – Exit ticket: write one sentence describing how a chosen fraction is collected.
Conclusion:
Recap that fractional distillation separates crude oil into useful fractions by exploiting boiling‑point differences within a packed column. Review the key equipment and the order in which fractions are collected. For the exit ticket, students note the fraction they consider most important and why. Homework: research an industrial application of a chosen petroleum fraction and write a short paragraph.