Separating Insoluble Solids with Filtration

This Year 7 Science lesson introduces pupils to the first of four key separation techniques: filtration. Designed to build secure foundational knowledge for the full Separation Techniques unit, this lesson helps students understand how mixtures can be separated based on particle size and solubility. Through clear modelling, practical demonstration and structured tasks, pupils learn how filtration works, why it is used, and where it appears in real‑world contexts.

Learners identify the equipment used in filtration, describe how filter paper separates an insoluble solid from a liquid, and apply their understanding to everyday examples such as water treatment and coffee making. The lesson includes opportunities for guided practice, diagram labelling and short written explanations to strengthen scientific literacy.

A fully editable PPT and worksheet are included, supporting explanation, modelling and retrieval.

Learning Objective:
To describe how filtration separates an insoluble solid from a liquid.

Success Criteria:

• Identify the equipment used in filtration.
• Explain why filter paper traps solids but allows liquids to pass through.
• Describe real‑life examples of filtration in action.