Earth Science
1 / 15What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?
About Earth Science
Test your knowledge of geology, weather, and our planet! This free general knowledge activity is built for older adults who want clear, readable browser-based games without sign-up friction.
General knowledge games mix recall, reasoning, and pattern recognition to keep each round varied and mentally engaging. This quiz includes 15 questions, so it works well as a quick session or as part of a longer brain-training routine. A printable version is available if you prefer offline play or want to share the game at home, in a classroom, or in a group setting.
About Earth Science
Test your knowledge of geology, weather, and our planet! Earth Science packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?
Answer: Crust
The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth. It varies in thickness from about 3 miles under the oceans to about 25 miles under the continents.
2. What type of rock is formed from cooled lava or magma?
Answer: Igneous
Igneous rocks are formed when magma (underground) or lava (on the surface) cools and solidifies. Common examples include granite and basalt.
3. What scale is used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?
Answer: Richter scale
The Richter scale (developed by Charles Richter in 1935) measures earthquake magnitude. Today, scientists more commonly use the moment magnitude scale, but 'Richter scale' remains the widely known term.
4. What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?
Answer: About 71%
Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. The oceans hold about 96.5% of all Earth's water, with the Pacific Ocean being the largest.
5. What natural phenomenon is measured using the Beaufort scale?
Answer: Wind speed
The Beaufort scale measures wind speed and was developed in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort of the Royal Navy. It ranges from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force).
Things you'll learn along the way
- Pangaea was the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. It began to break apart about 175 million years ago, eventually forming the continents we know today.
- Diamond is the hardest known natural mineral, rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is made of pure carbon arranged in a crystal structure and can only be scratched by another diamond.
- Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon, with a smaller contribution from the Sun. When the Moon and Sun align, they produce larger 'spring tides'; when at right angles, smaller 'neap tides.'
Frequently asked questions
Is Earth Science free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Earth Science — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Earth Science take?
Most players finish Earth Science in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Earth Science?
If you enjoyed this general knowledge quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Earth Science?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
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