Copper sulfate dissolves in water to form copper sulfate solution
The copper sulfate and water can be separated using a process called distillation during which the water is evaporated and then condensed and collected.
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Use this student worksheet to help learners think about distilling copper suflate solution at three different conceptual levels.
View and download more Johnstone's triangle worksheets
Learning objectives
- Identify the location of different substances and processes in the distillation apparatus.
- Describe the particles present at different places in the distillation apparatus.
- Identify particle diagrams showing different substances and processes involved in the distillation of copper sulfate.
How to use Johnstone’s triangle
Use Johnstone’s triangle to develop learners’ thinking about scientific concepts at three different conceptual levels:
- Macroscopic – what we can see. Think about the properties you can observe, measure and record.
- Sub-microscopic – smaller than we can see. Think about the particle or atomic level.
- Symbolic – representations. Think about how we represent chemical ideas including symbols and diagrams.
For learners to gain a deeper awareness of a topic, they need to understand it at all three levels.
When introducing a topic, don’t introduce all three levels of thinking at once. This will overload working memory. Instead complete the triangle over a series of lessons, beginning with the macroscopic level and then introducing other levels, in turn, once secure.
The levels are interrelated. For example, learners need visual representation of the sub-microscopic in order to develop mental models of the particle or atomic level.
Further reading
Read more about how to use Johnstone’s triangle in your teaching with these articles:
- Develop deeper understanding with models
- Improve students’ understanding with Johnstone’s triangle
- Practical ideas for using Johnstone’s triangle.
Norman Reid’s book The Johnstone triangle: the key to understanding chemistry provides a more in-depth overview, the first chapter is available to read online.
Scaffolding
Share the structure of the triangle with learners prior to use. Tell them why you are using it and how it will help them to develop their understanding. Use an ‘I try, we try, you try’ approach when introducing Johnstone’s triangle for the first time.
More resources
To further develop learner’s thinking in all areas of Johnstone’s triangle, try our Developing understanding of evaporation and distillation worksheet. This includes icons in the margin reterring to the conceptual level of thinking needed to answer the question.
Downloads
Distilling copper sulfate solution Johnstone's triangle student sheet
Handout | PDF, Size 0.28 mbDistilling copper sulfate solution Johnstone's triangle teacher notes
Handout | PDF, Size 0.29 mbDistilling copper sulfate solution Johnstone's triangle student sheet
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.95 mbDistilling copper sulfate solution Johnstone's triangle teacher notes
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.93 mb
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