Y5/6 (A): Materials: Mixtures and separation
Exploring different types of mixtures and the appropriate methods to separate them.
We’re monitoring the upcoming 2025 National Curriculum updates and will revise our resources when we know more. Learn more
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Define the term mixture and name some common examples.
- Define the term sieving and explain how sieving separates mixtures.
- Define the term filtering and explain how filtering separates mixtures.
- Define the terms solution and dissolve and name some common examples of solutions.
- Recall some factors that affect the time taken to dissolve.
- Describe the effect of temperature on the time taken to dissolve.
- Define the term evaporating and explain how evaporating separates solutions.
- Identify when sieving, filtering and evaporating should be used.
When working scientifically, pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Research a mixture to find out what substances it is made from.
- Draw and annotate a diagram to explain how sieving separates a solid-solid mixture.
- Identify and justify which type of enquiry to use to answer my testable question.
- Identify solutions by observing and describing their appearance.
- Suggest which variables to change, measure and control when investigating how temperature affects the time taken to dissolve.
- Choose which measurements to take and how long to take them for.
Please note that Kapow Primary Science lessons are designed to be 1 hour and 30 minutes long to reflect the requirements of a core subject.
Suggested prior learning
Lessons
Y5/6: Lesson 1: Mixtures
Knowledge
- To describe mixtures.
Working scientifically
- To research using a range of secondary resources.
Y5/6: Lesson 2: Sieving
Knowledge
- To explain the process of sieving.
Working scientifically
- To draw and annotate a diagram to explain a concept.
Y5/6: Lesson 3: Filtering
Knowledge
- To explain the process of filtering.
Working scientifically
- To identify testable questions and how to answer them.
Y5/6: Lesson 4: Solutions
Knowledge
- To describe solutions and how they can be identified.
Working scientifically
- To make observations about solutions.
Y5/6: Lesson 5: Dissolving
Knowledge
- To identify which factors affect the time taken to dissolve.
Working scientifically
- To plan a fair test with consideration of variables and measurements.
Y5/6: Lesson 6: Evaporating
Knowledge
- To describe the process of evaporation.
Key skills
Related content
Unit resources

Knowledge organiser – Science Y5/6 (A): Materials: Mixtures and separation
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the mixed-age unit ‘Mixtures and separation'.

Vocabulary display – Science Y5/6 (A): Materials: Mixtures and separation
A display version of the vocabulary from the mixed-age unit 'Mixtures and separation'.
Cross-curricular opportunities
British values: mutual respect.