54+ Science Trivia Questions & Answers (Weird, Hard, Interesting)
Story by:
Kyle Boureston
Science is incredible, and you can learn even more about this wonderful subject by answering science trivia questions.
When you answer these science trivia questions, you can learn more about science and the entire world around you – and that’s always a satisfying feeling.
Who knows – maybe you’ll use your newfound scientific knowledge to help get to know someone when you’re playing ice breaker games.
Perhaps you’ll discover a new scientific discipline that really captures your imagination and interests.
Whatever the case may be, these science trivia are guaranteed to be incredibly interesting.
Contents
4 best science trivia questions
If you really want to have fun with your friends as you learn more about this amazing topic, it’s best to choose only the best science trivia questions.
1. The Astronomical Unit (AU) is a unit of measurement based on the average distance between what two bodies?
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Answer
The Earth and the Sun
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When you start dealing with vast distances across space, it’s often easier to view time and space as one interconnected unit, which is where we get the concept of a lightyear.[/learn_more]
2. What general name is also given to natural satellites?
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Answer
Moon
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The Earth’s moon is relatively unique because of its large size in comparison to the planet it orbits (Earth). It is also unique in that it always shows its same side to us. [/learn_more]
3. Humans and chimpanzees share roughly how much DNA?
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Answer
0.98
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Interestingly enough, humans also share 60% of their DNA with a banana, and over 90% of their DNA with a housecat, so sometimes the genetic similarities can be misleading. [/learn_more]
4. What is the heaviest organ in the human body?
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Answer
Liver
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The liver may be the heaviest organ in the human body, but it’s not the largest. That honor goes instead to our skin, which covers more surface area than any other organ. [/learn_more]
3 funny science trivia questions
Science doesn’t have to feel like a cold, sterile subject. With these funny trivia questions, you can maintain your sense of humor while being a scientist.
5. What is known as the “master gland” of the human body?
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Answer
Pituitary gland
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The pituitary gland is responsible for hormone production in the human body. These hormones are important for blood pressure and many other functions. [/learn_more]
6. How much taller is the Eiffel Tower during the summer?
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Answer
15 cm
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If you’re wondering why the Eiffel Tower gets taller during summer, the answer is quite simple: metal expands when heated. This is why it’s easier to open a jar when you run hot water over the lid first. [/learn_more]
7. What is the only planet that spins clockwise?
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Answer
Venus
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Venus is also the closest planet to Earth, and many have proposed that it might be a good candidate for a future space colony. However, the planet is incredibly inhospitable and has tremendous amounts of atmospheric pressure. [/learn_more]
3 fun science trivia questions
These science-based and fun trivia questions are great if you’re doing research and you want to remain inspired and motivated.
8. The Horsehead Nebula can be found in what constellation?
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Answer
Orion
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Some researchers believe that the pyramids of Giza are actually aligned with the stars that make up Orion’s belt. [/learn_more]
9. The world’s fastest-growing plant is a species of what?
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Answer
Bamboo
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Bamboo grows so quickly that in some cases, it has been known to grow over one foot in just 24 hours. [/learn_more]
10. How often does Halley’s Comet appear in the sky?
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Answer
Every 75-76 years
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Comets may be beautiful, but they also pose a threat to our planet. During the Tunguska event of 1908, a meteoroid impacted the Earth with as much as 30 megatons of explosive force. [/learn_more]
3 science trivia for kids
Making science seem interesting for kids can be easy when you choose this science trivia for kids. They’ll have loads of fun when answering these questions.
11. What melted rock eventually becomes lava?
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Answer
Magma
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Lava comes from volcanoes, and these explosive mountains have erupted throughout human history – even destroying the entire city of Pompeii during the ancient times. [/learn_more]
12. On what continent would you not find bees?
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Answer
Antarctica
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Interestingly enough, bees are considered “vegetarian” wasps because they have evolved to feed from plants alone. [/learn_more]
13. How many planets in our solar system have moons?
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Answer
6
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Many of the moons throughout our solar system may be potential spots for future space colonies, especially the water-rich moon of Titan. [/learn_more]
3 science trivia questions for adults
If you’re an adult, you may be more interested in science questions that are a little more mature. Try these trivia questions for adults.
14. In science, how long is an eon?
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Answer
1 billion years
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The Earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old, or 4.54 billion eons old. Interestingly, the first signs of life appear not long after the Earth was formed. [/learn_more]
15. In what year did the Apollo 7 human spaceflight take place?
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Answer
1968
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The Apollo 7 mission may have been a success, but the Apollo 13 mission was not. In fact, the astronauts aboard very nearly never made it back to Earth. [/learn_more]
16. Big bang machine is also known as?
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Answer
Large Hadron
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The Large Hadron collider is one of the most interesting developments in the modern scientific world, mostly because it allows researchers to find the so-called “God particle.”[/learn_more]
3 easy science trivia questions
It’s always a good idea to add in a few easy trivia questions when creating your science trivia – just to give people a bit of relief from time to time.
17. When the moon appears to block the sun, as seen from Earth, what is the event called?
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Answer
Solar eclipse
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The fact that the moon is exactly large enough to completely block out the sun from our point of view is one of science’s biggest mysteries. [/learn_more]
18. The brain is divided into how many lobes?
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Answer
4
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The frontal lobe is dedicated to problem solving, emotional expression, language, and sexual behavior. The occipital lobe is primarily dedicated to vision. [/learn_more]
19. What is the name for trees that never lose their leaves?
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Answer
Evergreen
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Evergreen trees are actually much older than their deciduous counterparts on the evolutionary timeline. In fact, some mammals evolved before flowering plants. [/learn_more]
3 hard science trivia questions
If you’re up for a challenge, it’s time to try out these hard trivia questions. These scientific questions will challenge even the most accomplished scientists.
20. How long does it take for light from the Sun to reach Earth?
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Answer
8 minutes and 20 seconds
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There have been many theories when it comes to faster-than-light space travel, although most scientists believe that it is physically impossible. [/learn_more]
21. What is the end cause of every human death?
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Answer
Cerebral hypoxia
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Cerebral hypoxia is the lack of oxygen to the brain. When people die, their brains essentially starve, and that may be the cause of near-death-experiences and hallucinations. [/learn_more]
22. What is the only rock that floats?
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Answer
Pumice
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Pumice is actually created from lava, and it forms from the froth at the top of the laval flow that then cools very rapidly. [/learn_more]
3 random science trivia questions and answers
Sometimes, the most spontaneous trivia questions are the most thought-provoking. Try out these random trivia questions and answers.
23. The oldest living tree is 4,843 years old and can be found where?
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Answer
California
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Also known as Methuselah, this bristlecone pine has been around since before the first building blocks were laid on the foundation of Ancient Rome. [/learn_more]
24. Who first proposed the concept of contact lenses?
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Answer
Leonardo da Vinci
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Leonardo da Vinci was a truly innovative mind. He also created the concept of the first flying machine, various siege engines, and much more. [/learn_more]
25. How many constellations are in the night sky?
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Answer
88
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Due to increased satellites in the Earth’s orbit, stars are becoming more and more difficult to see because of light pollution. [/learn_more]
4 science bar trivia questions
Science bar trivia questions are perfect for an informal night of interesting games and fun. These questions are bound to activate your brainwaves.
26. How many electrons does a hydrogen atom have?
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Answer
1
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Hydrogen was of course used to create the first thermonuclear explosives, which are considered an improvement on the first-generation nuclear weapons. [/learn_more]
27. What is the name of the world’s largest reef?
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Answer
Great Barrier Reef
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One of the coolest things about the Great Barrier Reef is the fact that it’s actually alive. That being said, human impact is threatening to destroy this natural wonder. [/learn_more]
28. What metal is the best conductor of electricity?
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Answer
Silver
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Silver may be used extensively for jewelry, but it also has very important uses for things like circuitry. Gold is also quite useful, especially in terms of space travel. [/learn_more]
30. What is the scientific name for the job or role an organism plays in its habitat?
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Answer
Niche
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While the word “niche” has a very specific meaning in terms of biology, it can also mean the purpose or target market of a particular business. [/learn_more]
4 animal science trivia questions
Animals are some of the most fascinating additions to our planet, and you can learn more about them with these fascinating animal trivia questions.
31. Which large mammal’s tail is so strong it can stand on it and lift its hind legs off the ground?
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Answer
The kangaroo
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The kangaroo may be a mammal, but it’s also part of the marsupial family. This means that it gives birth to immature young that then spend a period of time developing further in a marsupial pouch. [/learn_more]
32. What is the scientific name for the trunk of an elephant?
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Answer
Proboscis
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The word “proboscis” also means “nose,” which means you have a proboscis too – just like an elephant. However, elephant probosci are unique for very obvious reasons. [/learn_more]
33. What are the male honey bees called that are the only members of the colony allowed to mate with the queen?
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Answer
Drones
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Drones might seem like they have a nice life, as they don’t really have to do any work. However, every so often all of the drones get kicked out of the hive, never to return. [/learn_more]
34. What animal is the closest living relative to the T-Rex
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Answer
Chicken
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Birds in general are actually quite closely related to the extinct dinosaurs. In fact, some researchers believe that dinosaurs were actually feathered creatures for the most part. [/learn_more]
4 science movie trivia questions
Some of the best movies in the world were based on very real science – after all, that’s where we get the term “science fiction” from. Check out these science movie trivia questions.
35. A xenomorph took on a shaved-head Ripley in this sci-fi horror?
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Answer
Alien 3
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Many people believe Alien 3 to be one of the weakest films of the Alien franchise, but others feel that it is somewhat misunderstood and underrated. [/learn_more]
36. How long did it take the evil aliens to defeat the combined armies of the human race in the 2000 sci-fi film “Battlefield Earth”?
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Answer
9 minutes
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Battlefield Earth has earned a reputation as one of the worst films ever made, although it did show John Travolta in a very non-standard role as an alien villain. [/learn_more]
37. Actress Scarlett Johansson starred in this 2017 film based on what popular Japanese comic?
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Answer
Ghost in the Shell
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The original Ghost in the Shell anime film explored concepts connected to the merging of humanity with machines, to the point where the only thing that remains is the brain or perhaps just the consciousness. [/learn_more]
38. ‘Star Trek’ marked the film debut of this actor, a future Marvel superhero.
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Answer
Chris Hemsworth
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Prior to his short cameo in Star Trek, Hemsworth was mostly known within Australia for his roles in various soap operas. Of course, he would go on to star in a range of other films after this debut. [/learn_more]
4 science in the 80s trivia questions and answers
Just like any other decade, there was plenty of scientific innovation and discovery during the 80s. How well do you remember it? Find out with these 80s trivia questions and answers.
39. In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in what US state killing 57 people?
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Answer
Washington state
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Mount St. Helens is still an active volcano today, and it’s actually considered one of the most dangerous in the United States. [/learn_more]
40. What power plant near Kiev, Ukraine, released radioactive fallout across much of Europe and renders thousands of acres of land near the accident site uninhabitable for thousands of years?
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Answer
Chernobyl nuclear power plant
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The official cause of the Chernobyl disaster has been stated as a flawed reactor design. Combined with inadequately trained staff, the power plant was always a dangerous prospect. [/learn_more]
41. In 1986 an American space shuttle disintegrated after launch, killing all aboard, what was the name of the shuttle?
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Answer
Space Shuttle Challenger
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The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster was caused by the explosion of an external fuel tank. It was even more tragic than usual because the shuttle contained the first woman in space, Sally Ride. [/learn_more]
42. Scientists first identified the AIDS virus in 1981, what does AIDS stand for?
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Answer
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
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Since its discovery in the 80s, AIDS/HIV has claimed many lives. However, much progress has been made during recent years, and today those diagnosed with AIDS can live long and normal lives with the right medications. [/learn_more]
3 history of science trivia questions
The history of science is very interesting, and it tells a story of human accomplishment and development. If you’d like to learn more about the history of science, check out these history trivia questions.
43. Who invented the Morse code?
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Answer
Samuel Finley Breese Morse and Alfred Vail
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It’s easy to look back on Morse code today and think of it as a primitive form of communication.[/learn_more]
44. What islands were extensively studied by Charles Darwin?
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Answer
Galapagos Islands
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The thing that really formed the basis of Darwin’s theory of evolution was the various sub-species of finches, which all developed different traits after being isolated on different islands. [/learn_more]
45. Which dwarf planet was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh while working at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff in 1930?
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Answer
Pluto
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Today, there is still quite a bit of debate as to whether or not Pluto is actually a legitimate planet. That being said, the general consensus is that Pluto is not actually a planet. [/learn_more]
46. Which civilization is regarded as the first to have a functional theory of the planets?
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Answer
Babylonian
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The ancient Sumerians had an incredible understanding of the planets, and we can see by their carvings that they understood, in basic terms, how the planets behaved in the night sky. [/learn_more]
3 marvel science trivia questions
Marvel is famous for basing its comics in science, and some of the most interesting heroes are scientists who made incredible discoveries that changed their lives forever. Check out these Marvel trivia questions.
47. What type of doctor is Stephen Strange?
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Answer
Neurosurgeon
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Stephen Strange was a talented neurosurgeon – at least until he injured his hands in a terrible car accident. This caused him to travel the world in search for ways to heal himself. [/learn_more]
48. What is the alien race Loki sends to invade Earth in The Avengers?
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Answer
The Chitauri
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In case you weren’t aware, Loki and all of the other Asgardians are based on real mythological figures from Norse legends. [/learn_more]
49. Thor’s method of travel can be supported by a real theory called?
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Answer
The Einstein Rosen Bridge
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The Einstein Rosen Bridge is also known by its more common name, the wormhole. If a wormhole could be controlled, perhaps people could achieve faster than light travel. [/learn_more]
3 Star Wars science trivia questions
Do you love Star Wars? If so, you’ll really enjoy answering these incredible Star Wars trivia questions.
50. The echo base is hidden in Hoth, a frozen world. What types of precipitation will likely fall on Hoth?
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Answer
Snow
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The rebel base on Hoth was attacked by a viscous detachment of Imperial ground forces, including massive Imperial walkers. [/learn_more]
51. Tatoonie copies carry heavy cargo and are adapted to the desert. What Earth animal would be similar?
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Answer
Camel
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The camel is famous for its three humps and its ability to survive for long periods of time without drinking any water. [/learn_more]
52. Han and Lando can breathe outside Cloud City. What element must be in that atmosphere?
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Answer
Oxygen
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Lando and Han go way back. In fact, Lando once owned the Millennium Falcon before he lost it to Han as part of a bet. [/learn_more]
2 sports science trivia questions
The sporting world definitely revolves around scientific principles and you can learn a lot about sports when you answer these sports trivia questions in order to look at everything from a scientific point of view.
53. True or false? Lower tension on a tennis racquet produces more control and less power.
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Answer
False
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Most racket manufacturers recommend that you use 50 to 70 pounds of tension when adjusting your racket, but it totally depends on your personal preference as a player. [/learn_more]
54. What was the fastest recorded tennis serve?
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Answer
55 mph (250 kph)
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Sometimes, a fast serve can win entire tennis matches. However, most of the time it’s a combination of serving technique and other skills that win players matches. [/learn_more]
How To Pick The Best Science trivia Questions
Picking the best science trivia questions isn’t always easy, but you can make this process more manageable by following this simple guide. Follow these steps, and you can choose science trivia questions that everyone will love.
1. Choose questions based on a wide range of disciplines
Don’t just focus on biology or chemistry. Instead, make sure that your science trivia questions cover a wide range of topics so that people are always interested and surprised when learning about new things.
2. Avoid questions that are too hard (or too easy)
If you pick too many hard questions, people are just going to get frustrated. After all, science is a tricky subject, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. On the other hand, you should avoid too many easy questions as well, as this can make things boring.
3. Choose relevant questions
There are some branches of science that are very relevant in today’s world. For example, you might want to pick questions based on climate science or animal conservation. Relevant questions are almost always more interesting.
Downloadable List of Science Trivia Questions
Here is a downloadable and printable list of science trivia questions (right-click the image and select Save Image As…):
More Awesome Trivia Questions
Science may be pretty interesting, but it’s not the only subject that can capture your imagination and passions. If you’ve finished these trivia questions and you’re still looking for more, check out these additional options:
- Who doesn’t love Harry Potter? Find out how big of a fan you are with these awesome Harry Potter trivia questions.
- Think you know the bible inside and out? Well, you haven’t truly been tested until you’ve tried these Bible trivia questions and answers.
- Everyone loves music, but not everyone can call themselves an expert. Find out if you can earn this title by answering these music trivia questions and answers.
- Do you love Thanksgiving? If so, these Thanksgiving trivia questions are bound to get you excited.
- If you just can’t wait until Christmas why not try out these Christmas trivia questions while you tick off the days on your calendar?
Conclusion
If you’ve enjoyed answering these science trivia questions, it’s time to take the next step. Find out which topics are most interesting to you and delve even deeper into this amazing subject.
In doing so, you can come up with new science trivia questions that are even more interesting than the last. One of the benefits of answering trivia questions is that you can spark a new interest in science for not only you, but also your friends and classmates.
Science can be a lot of fun – especially if you’re using these science trivia during ice breaker games. Whatever the case may be, science is one of the most wonderful parts of human existence, and it makes sense to learn all that you can about it over the course of your life.
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