| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Chemistry |
| Lesson Topic: Describe the manufacture of ethanol by: (a) fermentation of aqueous glucose at $25-35^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in the presence of yeast and in the absence of oxygen (b) catalytic addition of steam to ethene at $300^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ and $6000 \mathrm{kPa} / |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the overall chemical equations for ethanol production by fermentation and catalytic hydration.
- Explain the key conditions and the role of the biological and acid catalysts in each method.
- Compare the yields, advantages and limitations of the two industrial processes.
- Analyse how temperature, pressure and reactant ratios influence ethanol yield.
- Apply the concepts to predict the effect of changing process parameters.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint slides with reaction equations and diagrams
- Printed worksheets containing flow‑diagrams and comparison tables
- Calculator for yield calculations
- Whiteboard and markers
- Safety Data Sheets for ethanol and ethene
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Introduction:
Ethanol is a versatile chemical used as a fuel, solvent and beverage ingredient, produced both biologically and petrochemically. Students should recall basic concepts of oxidation‑reduction and acid‑catalysed reactions. By the end of the lesson they will be able to describe each manufacturing route, explain the controlling conditions and compare their efficiencies.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on fermentation basics to activate prior knowledge.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the fermentation of glucose – overall reaction, temperature, yeast role, and distillation step.
- Video demonstration (5'): Short industrial footage showing a fermentation tank and ethanol recovery.
- Group activity (12'): Students analyse a flow diagram, complete a worksheet and calculate theoretical yield.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Introduce catalytic hydration of ethene – reaction equation, high‑temperature/pressure conditions, acid catalyst mechanism.
- Whole‑class discussion (8'): Compare both processes using a comparison table; students answer an exit‑ticket question.
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Conclusion:
We recap the two routes to ethanol, highlighting the biological versus petrochemical advantages and the key operating parameters. For the exit ticket, learners write one factor that most improves yield for each method. Homework: research another bio‑fuel (e.g., biodiesel) and prepare a short summary of its production process.
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