This resource consists of two lessons containing everything you’ll need to teach the GCSE Chemistry required practical “Chromatography".

Lesson one covers the actual practical, along with collecting data and writing a method, while in Lesson 2 students will analyse chromatogram data, calculate Rf values and explain the effects of solvent choice on Rf values. Both lessons also contain relevant practice exam questions about the practical.

This resource is suitable for students studying AQA Trilogy Combined Science (higher and foundation) and AQA Triple chemistry (higher and foundation)

Lesson Objectives:

• Identify the mobile and stationary phase in paper chromatography
• Describe how to use chromatography to separate the substances in a mixture
• Explain why different substances travel different distances in chromatography
• Analyse the composition of a mixture using a chromatogram
• Calculate the Rf value for a chromatogram spot
• Identify unknown chemicals using Rf values
• Describe how Rf values change depending on solvent

Working scientifically to:

• Carry out a chromatography practical to investigate the composition of inks
• Write a method for a practical investigation

Lesson features:

• Powerpoints with all instructions from worksheet broken down into managable chunks on slides for easy viewing and discussion
• Student worksheet with all equipment, activities, diagrams, and summary questions and exam questions, including a full answer sheet for teachers
• Duplicates of answers on powerpoint slides to faciliate easy discussion and student marking, including examiners reports where available
• Stretch and challenge questions throughout
• Dual-coding and SEN friendly slide layouts and colours
• Starter “Think, Pair, Share” activities
• Explicit teaching/recap of key vocabulary, skills and mathematical processes

Lesson Resource Contains

• Student practical worksheet (PDF)
• Student practical worksheet answers (PDF)
• Powerpoint Presentation for both practical and analysis lessons (pptx.)
• Analysing Chromatograms - Exam Question Worksheet (PDF)
• Analysing Chromatograms - Exam Question Worksheet Answers (PDF)