Rocks and Minerals Reading Comprehension Passage and Questions
A free, print-and-go rocks & minerals reading for grades 2–5: one accurate nonfiction passage, twelve mixed questions, a full answer key and a short teacher guide. No student logins, no accounts, no setup.
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What this resource teaches
Rocks vs. minerals, mineral properties (luster, hardness, streak), sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the rock cycle.
What is included
- Student pages (3 pages): a six-paragraph passage, a Science Words box and 12 questions, black-and-white friendly.
- Answer key (1 page): answers, skill labels, the supporting paragraph for each answer and 18 total points.
- Teacher guide (2 pages): learning goals, how to use it and a map from the passage to the free online adventure.
Key science words
rock, mineral, luster, hardness, streak, sediment, magma, lava, rock cycle
How to use it in your classroom
- Preview the bold science words and ask students what they already know about rocks and minerals.
- Read the passage aloud, partner-read it, or assign it for independent reading.
- Students answer the 12 questions using evidence from the text.
- Check with the answer key and send students back to the supporting paragraph for any missed question.
It works well for science centers, morning work, homework, early finishers, sub plans or review before the online adventure.
Play the free Rocks & Minerals adventure
Ready to turn this reading into exploration? Students can play the free online adventure that goes with this passage, with no login required.
Play the free Rocks & Minerals Excavation Adventure
The adventure follows Rockling through The Shimmering Caverns and covers:
- Rocks vs. Minerals
- Mineral Properties
- Sedimentary Rocks
- Igneous Rocks
- Metamorphic Rocks
- The Rock Cycle
Turn this lesson into a hands-on science adventure
Want your class to dig for real? Ask about a Free Dig Kit for your classroom. Excavating Adventures will work to help fund real hands-on dig experiences for classrooms through our Free Dig Kit campaign. Kits are optional, are provided after full funding and school confirmation, and funding is not guaranteed.
More free resources
- Free Rocks and Minerals vocabulary worksheets
- Rocks & Minerals online adventure
- Earth Science hub: all free science adventures and resources
Looking for a physical experience? Our paid Adventure Kits are available in the shop, but everything on this page is free.