Discover Rocks: KS2 Quiz on Science and Geology

Science Quiz - Rocks (Questions)

Let's dive into the fascinating world of rocks with this KS2 Science quiz! We'll explore different types like basalt and chalk, checking out cool properties like permeability and durability.

Rocks are like solid minerals, and there are lots of kinds. Did you know chalk, the one you use on a blackboard, is a rock? Rocks have unique traits - pumice can even float! Basalt, found in oceans, forms stunning hexagonal columns, like at the Giant's Causeway. Nature's amazing!

How many rock types can you name? Know their special properties? Test your rock knowledge with this fun KS2 Science quiz!

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Which one of the following is not a type of rock?

[ ]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Which type of rock is formed when other rocks are put under huge amounts of heat or pressure?

[ ]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Which type of rock is formed from mud or shells?

[ ]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Which type of rock is formed from cooled lava or magma?

[ ]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Which rock can float on water?

[ ]	Sponge
[ ]	Pumice
[ ]	Diamond
[ ]	Granite

Which of these rocks is white?

[ ]	Basalt
[ ]	Obsidian
[ ]	Chalk
[ ]	Slate

'Durability' means 'able to withstand wear and tear'. Which of these rocks has the greatest durability?

[ ]	Chalk
[ ]	Sandstone
[ ]	Siltstone
[ ]	Granite

Fossils can be found in which type of rocks?

[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Metamorphic
[ ]	All of the above

What does 'permeability' mean?

[ ]	How magnetic a material is
[ ]	How well a material allows another substance to pass through it
[ ]	How heavy a material is
[ ]	How effective a thermal insulator a material is

10.

Why is slate often used to make roof tiles?

[ ]	Because slate is impossible to break
[ ]	Because slate is not too durable
[ ]	Because slate is heavy and permeable
[ ]	Because slate is durable and impermeable

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Rocks

Science Quiz - Rocks (Answers)

Which one of the following is not a type of rock?

[x]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Organic usually means to do with living things

Which type of rock is formed when other rocks are put under huge amounts of heat or pressure?

[ ]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[x]	Metamorphic

'Metamorphosis' means 'to change form'. Diamonds, which are formed from carbon, are examples of metamorphic rocks

Which type of rock is formed from mud or shells?

[ ]	Organic
[ ]	Igneous
[x]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Limestone is an example of sedimentary rock

Which type of rock is formed from cooled lava or magma?

[ ]	Organic
[x]	Igneous
[ ]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Metamorphic

Granite is an example of an igneous rock

Which rock can float on water?

[ ]	Sponge
[x]	Pumice
[ ]	Diamond
[ ]	Granite

Pumice can float because its density is so low - less than that of water!

Which of these rocks is white?

[ ]	Basalt
[ ]	Obsidian
[x]	Chalk
[ ]	Slate

The famous White Cliffs of Dover are made of chalk

'Durability' means 'able to withstand wear and tear'. Which of these rocks has the greatest durability?

[ ]	Chalk
[ ]	Sandstone
[ ]	Siltstone
[x]	Granite

Aberdeen in Scotland is known as Granite City because of the abundance of the rock found there. Aberdeen granite was used to build the House of Parliament in London

Fossils can be found in which type of rocks?

[x]	Sedimentary
[ ]	Igneous
[ ]	Metamorphic
[ ]	All of the above

Sedimentary rocks are formed when layers of mud, dust or shells (sediment) are placed under great pressure from the layers of sediment above them. Living organisms which fall into underwater sediment may eventually become fossils

What does 'permeability' mean?

[ ]	How magnetic a material is
[x]	How well a material allows another substance to pass through it
[ ]	How heavy a material is
[ ]	How effective a thermal insulator a material is

A rock's permeability means how well it allows water to pass through it

10.

Why is slate often used to make roof tiles?

[ ]	Because slate is impossible to break
[ ]	Because slate is not too durable
[ ]	Because slate is heavy and permeable
[x]	Because slate is durable and impermeable

Slate weathers very well and doesn't let the rain through - these are perfect qualities for a roof