Permeability is the ability of a substance to allow liquids like water to pass through it.

Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in Earth.

If a substance is permeable, it will allow water to pass through it.

If a substance is impermeable, it will not allow water to pass through it.

Physical properties of rocks: permeability

Science

In this Rocks and soil unit, pupils learn to describe in simple terms how fossils are formed. In the Evolution and inheritance unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise that things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.

In the Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and compare the suitability of materials, including rock. In this Rocks and soils unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties.

Rocks and soils 

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A{{}} is a type of scientist who investigates and tests different rocks.

Jun has four different rocks that he drops water onto to see if it can pass through. What is he testing for? 

Which of these words describes the physical property of a rock that does let liquids such as water passes through?

Which of these words describes the physical property of a rock that does not let liquids such as water passes through?

Slate, granite and marble do not let water pass through them. Chalk and sandstone do let water pass through them. Which rocks are permeable?

Which of these rocks would be suitable to mend a leaking roof? 

Scientists carry out an {{}} to find out answers to their questions.

Rocks come from the Earth's crust. We often dig them out of the ground from ...

Rock is a human-made material from concrete.

Rock is a  natural material that is made in a factory.

Rock is a natural material that is made from different minerals.

Rock is a human-made material that is made from different minerals. 

Which of these objects could you use to investigate the physical property of hardness of different rocks? 

Which is the best kitchen towel to wipe up the spill? 

 Which of these questions about physical properties would you need to use water to investigate? 

Friedrich {{}} was a famous scientist from the past who developed a scratch test to help us to learn more about rocks and their physical property of hardness.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Physical properties of rocks: permeability

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.