Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: State that petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the origin and formation of petroleum.
  • Identify the three main hydrocarbon families present in petroleum.
  • Explain why petroleum is considered a mixture of hydrocarbons.
  • Compare the properties of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics relevant to fuel use.
  • Evaluate the significance of petroleum composition for refining and environmental impact.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with hydrocarbon family tables
  • Handout of petroleum composition chart
  • Sample images of a fractional distillation column
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing crude oil being pumped from a well, prompting students to consider what the dark liquid actually contains. Recall prior learning about hydrocarbons from earlier organic chemistry lessons. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to state that petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons and list its main families.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students write in notebooks what they think petroleum is made of; teacher collects responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – present formation of petroleum and introduce the three hydrocarbon families using slides.
  3. Table analysis activity (10’) – students work in pairs to examine the provided table, match formulas to examples, and fill a quick worksheet.
  4. Concept check (5’) – whole‑class quiz using clickers or a show of hands to confirm understanding of the mixture concept.
  5. Application discussion (10’) – discuss how the mixture influences fractional distillation and fuel properties; students summarise key points on sticky notes.
Conclusion:
Recap that petroleum consists of a mixture of alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatics, each contributing to fuel characteristics. Students complete an exit ticket stating one way the mixture affects refining. Assign homework to research a common fuel and identify which hydrocarbon family predominates.