Innovating Science® Fractional Distillation

Learn about fractional distillation as a process to separate/fractionate hydrocarbons.

• Students will complete a fractional distillation experiment of simulated crude oil demonstrating boiling/condensation points, conservation of matter, and forces between molecules.
• Aligned to NGSS practices
• Performance expectations: HS-PS1-3, HS-PS1-5, HS-PS1-7
• Disciplinary core ideas: PS1.A, PS1.B
• Cross cutting concepts include patterns, energy and matter, scientific knowledge assumes an order and consistency in natural systems
• Engineering practices include planning and carrying out investigations, constructing explanations and designing solutions, using mathematics and computational thinking

Crude oil is a complex mixture of many useful hydrocarbons such as gasoline, kerosene, butane, and motor oil. In order to be of use, these hydrocarbons must first be separated from each other. In this activity, students will complete a fractional distillation experiment to simulate the fractionation of crude oil. Topics such as boiling and condensation points, conservation of matter, and forces between molecules are covered as they factor into how a distillation is performed. This kit contains enough material for 15 groups. Teacher's Manual and Student Study Guide copymasters are included.

Delivery information: Instructor's manual and SDS included.

Caution: This product can expose you to chemicals including Methanol and Phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm. For more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.