This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Organic Chemistry’ SoW.
 
The lesson begins on a description of hydrocarbons and why crude oil is so useful, this is followed by a video on crude oil. Whilst watching the video students will be required to answer a set of questions, this work can then be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
 
The next part of the lesson requires students to watch a teacher demonstration of the distillation of crude oil, students will watch the teacher distill crude oil, removing at least four fractions. The fractions can be passed around the classroom and students will need to complete a results table to assess the smell, viscosity, colour and flammability of each fraction.
 
Pupils will now focus on the structure of different alkanes, they will be introduced to the first four alkanes and be asked to think about why there is a pattern in the formulae of alkanes. Next, students will complete a summary table of the structural formulae, displayed formulae, 3D structure and boiling point of the first four alkanes in the homologous series. Students can self/peer assess their work using the answers provided.
 
Finally, pupils will complete a ‘Quick Check’ task, which involves answering a set of questions about what they have learned this lesson. Those higher ability students may want to turn to the back of their books to avoid looking at notes, lower ability will need extra support. Again, the mark scheme for these questions is included in the PowerPoint.
 
The plenary task requires pupils to write 3 facts, 3 key words and one questions to test their peers knowledge of what they have studied in class today.