Fun science trivia questions to challenge your teen

Trivia is a heart-pounding game when you're on fire and a powerfully engaging match when you're not. For true trivia lovers, there's nothing like the thrill of discovering new and interesting facts. From biology to astronomy, here are 50 science trivia questions to spark curiosity and unleash your child's inner scientist. Try them in the car, or make a whole game night out of it! 

Botany trivia: Unfolding the secrets of plant life

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1. What's the scientific name for the study of plants? Answer: Botany.

2. What do we call the process in which plants convert sunlight into energy? Answer: Photosynthesis.

3. What gas do plants absorb from the atmosphere for photosynthesis? Answer: Carbon dioxide.

4. Can you name the largest flower in the world? Answer: Rafflesia Arnoldii.

5. From what type of plant does vanilla come from? Answer: Topical orchid.

6. What's the fastest-growing plant? Answer: Bamboo.

7. What color are the leaves of plants that lack chlorophyll? Answer: White or yellow.

8. What's the oldest known tree species? Answer: Bristlecone pine.

Astronomy trivia: Exploring the universe

1. What's the largest planet in our solar system? Answer: Jupiter.

2. How many planets are there in our solar system? Answer: Eight.

3. Can you name the hottest planet in our solar system? Answer: Venus.

4. How long does it take for the light from the sun to reach Earth? Answer: Approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds.

5. What's the nearest galaxy to our Milky Way? Answer: Andromeda.

6. What is the largest moon in our solar system? Answer: Ganymede.

7. What's the smallest planet in our solar system? Answer: Mercury.

8. What's the most common type of star found in our galaxy? Answer: Red dwarf stars.

9. Can you name the brightest star in the night sky? Answer: Sirius.

10. What do we call a region of space where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape, including light? Answer: A black hole.

Chemistry trivia: Unraveling the building blocks of the universe

1. What's the smallest unit of matter? Answer: Atom.

2. What's the chemical symbol for gold? Answer: Au.

3. What's the chemical formula for water? Answer: H2O.

4. Which element has the atomic number 1? Answer: Hydrogen.

5. What's the hardest substance in the human body? Answer: Tooth enamel.

6. How many elements are there in the periodic table? Answer: 118.

7. What's the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere? Answer: Nitrogen.

8. Which element is commonly used in balloons and airships because it is lighter than air? Answer: Helium.

9. What's the only metal that is liquid at room temperature? Answer: Mercury.

10. What chemical causes the heat sensation in spicy foods? Answer: Capsaicin.

Physics trivia: Understanding the nature of matter and energy

1. What's the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth? Answer: Gravity.

2. Who developed the theory of relativity? Answer: Albert Einstein.

3. What's the speed of light in a vacuum? Answer: Approximately 300,000 kilometers per second.

4. What's the unit of force in the metric system? Answer: Newton.

5. Which law states that 'for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction'? Answer: Newton's third law of motion.

6. Who invented the telescope? Answer: Hans Lippershey.

Science trivia provides a thrilling escape into the wonders of our universe, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning that can last a lifetime. Whether you're raising a budding botanist, an aspiring astronomer, a chemical connoisseur, or a physics fanatic, these science trivia questions serve as a fun-filled launchpad for exploration and discovery.

Remember, every trivia answer is also an opportunity to communicate with your teen.

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