Separating Mixtures – KS2 Black Chemist Complete Lesson (Updated)

Now updated with a complete PowerPoint lesson, differentiated retrieval activities, and full comprehension task.
Bring science, literacy and representation together with this inspiring KS2 lesson on Separating Mixtures, featuring Percy Julian – the Black chemist who turned plants into life-changing medicine.

Perfect for your Properties and Changes of Materials unit, this engaging and fully planned lesson helps pupils understand mixtures, filtration, evaporation, sieving and magnetism through real science and a true story.
It’s ideal for cross-curricular Black History Month lessons, cover work, or literacy starters that still hit the science curriculum.

What’s Included
• PowerPoint Lesson (Updated 2025) – Do Now, retrieval, guided practice, comprehension & reflection
• 2-Page Reading Text – The story of Percy Julian explained in simple, accessible language
• Comprehension Questions + Full Answer Sheet – Retrieval, understanding and application tasks
• Retrieval Activities – True/False, multiple choice, sentence starters and gap fill (differentiated for lower ability)
• Mini Challenge – “Design your own discovery” poster task
• Model Answers & Teacher Notes included

Why Teachers Love It
• No planning needed – just print and teach
• Builds scientific vocabulary and reading fluency
• Highlights representation in STEM and Black History Month themes
• Ideal for Years 5–6 or transition lessons
• Suitable for main teaching, cover, or homework

Curriculum Links
• KS2 Science – Properties and Changes of Materials
• Literacy – Reading comprehension & vocabulary development
• PSHE / History – Diversity in STEM and representation in science

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