Physical properties of rocks: hardness
I can compare and group different rocks by investigating their hardness.
Physical properties of rocks: hardness
I can compare and group different rocks by investigating their hardness.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The physical properties of a material are its features that can be observed or measured.
- Hardness is a physical property of rocks.
- Rocks can be compared and grouped on the basis of their hardness.
Keywords
Rock - Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in Earth.
Physical properties - Physical properties are the features which can be observed from the way an object looks or feels or can be measured.
Hardness - Hardness is the quality of being difficult to bend, cut, or break.
Compare - To compare is to examine or look for the difference between two or more things.
Group - To group is when a number of people or things are put together.
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that all rocks are hard. Also that if a rock is heavy it is therefore hard.
Share a wide range of rocks the children can handle to explore the property of hardness so they realise some rocks are much softer than others.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Physical properties of rocks: hardness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Physical properties of rocks: hardness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Rocks and soils unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
See additional guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

rock
tarmac
glass
wood





Exit quiz
6 Questions





slate
soapstone
granite