Physical properties of rocks: permeability
I can compare and group different rocks by testing their permeability.
Physical properties of rocks: permeability
I can compare and group different rocks by testing their permeability.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geologists test different rocks for permeability. This tells them which rocks allow liquid, e.g. water, to pass through.
- Permeable rocks, such as sandstone, let water pass through them.
- Impermeable rocks, such as marble, do not let water pass through them.
- Rocks can be compared and grouped by their permeability.
Keywords
Permeability - Permeability is the ability of a substance to allow liquids like water to pass through it.
rock - Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in Earth.
Permeable - If a substance is permeable, it will allow water to pass through it.
impermeable - If a substance is impermeable, it will not allow water to pass through it.
Common misconception
Children can become confused with the word permanent and permeable.
Be clear on your definition of permeable, perhaps use some actions to help them remember. Clear up at the start that although permeable sounds rather like permanent it is completely different and explain the difference using examples.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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