Rock Property Compare Cards: Free Printable Game for Year 3
Rock Property Compare Cards is a free printable game for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Compare hard and soft rocks, and rocks that let water in. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea, and the answers. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This game includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Granite: very hard, no water soaks in
- Chalk: soft, water soaks in
- Sandstone: crumbly, water soaks in
- Slate: hard, no water soaks in
- Marble: hard, no water soaks in
- Limestone: fairly soft, water can soak in
- Pumice: very light, full of holes
- Flint: very hard, no water soaks in
- Clay: very soft, holds water
Who this is for
Year 3 (ages 7 to 8) in Key Stage 2.
Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11. Children are widening what they know and getting better at explaining their thinking, so activities that ask them to reason, not only recall, are especially useful. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Comparing
- Rock words
- Fair reasoning
Children compare rocks by how hard they are and whether water can soak in.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Science. Key stage: Key Stage 2. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- 2 to 3 players. About 15 minutes. Cut out the cards, shuffle and deal. Play until one player has all cards or time is up.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2 and the answers.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Pick one property for the whole game.
To stretch confident children
Ask players to explain why a rock with holes lets water in.
Make it a game
Ties: both cards go in the middle and the next round winner takes them.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Read the rules out loud together before you start, so everyone plays the same game.
- Take turns being the person who reads or checks. It builds listening as well as knowledge.
- Keep rounds short. Two quick games beat one long one.
A screen-free science activity for Year 3
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free science activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free science resources for teachers
Teachers can use this game as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Science ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free science worksheets for Year 3, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider science plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | Science | Rocks | Year 3 |
What children will be able to do
- I can compare rocks by how hard they are.
- I can say whether water soaks into a rock.
- I can group rocks by what I see.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How did you test which rock was harder?
- What happened when water was added, and why?
- How would you group these rocks, and what is your reason?
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Food Chain Link Game | Same subject, one year down: Micro Habitats Hunt
Frequently asked questions
What age is Rock Property Compare Cards for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2.
What will children practise?
Children compare rocks by how hard they are and whether water can soak in.
How do I use it?
2 to 3 players. About 15 minutes. Cut out the cards, shuffle and deal. Play until one player has all cards or time is up.
What if it feels too hard?
Pick one property for the whole game.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Rock Property Compare Cards suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Key Stage 2 | More science printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources