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Challenge young minds with these exciting trivia questions!
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Trivia is one of those activities that can be tons of fun for all ages—and for middle schoolers, it can simultaneously help them learn! Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a student wanting to test your knowledge, we’ve put together a vast collection of middle-school trivia covering subjects from math and science to literature, technology, pop culture, and beyond. So, what are you waiting for? Comb through the questions below and use them to put together the perfect middle-school-level trivia game.

Quick Picks: Trivia Questions for Middle Schoolers

  • Which letter of the alphabet doesn’t appear in any U.S. state name? Answer: Q
  • In what part of plants does photosynthesis mainly occur? Answer: Leaves
  • In which year did the United States declare independence from Britain? Answer: 1776
  • What is the smallest planet in the solar system? Answer: Mercury
  • What is a tornado called when it forms over water? Answer: Waterspout
  • Which artist painted the famous “Starry Night” painting? Answer: Vincent van Gogh
  • What fictional city does the popular character Batman live in? Answer: Gotham
Section 1 of 21:

General Middle School Trivia

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  1. Let’s start with a few general trivia questions! They cover a wide range of categories; the only common thread is that they make great warm-up questions for a middle-school-level trivia game. Check them out:
    • What is the name of the world’s biggest museum?
      • Answer: The Louvre
    • Which letter of the alphabet doesn’t appear in any U.S. state name?
      • Answer: Q
    • How many yards are there in one mile?
      • Answer: 1,760
    • Which language has the most native speakers in the world?
      • Answer: Mandarin Chinese
    • In which U.S. state is the infamous Area 51 located?
      • Answer: Nevada
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Section 2 of 21:

Science Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Now, let’s delve into the world of middle school science! Between learning the basics of biology, earth science, and how the world works, there’s a lot to cover—so take a look at these basic middle-school science trivia questions. [1]
    • In what part of plants does photosynthesis mainly occur?
      • Answer: Leaves
    • What force (coined by Sir Isaac Newton) pulls objects toward Earth?
      • Answer: Gravity
    • What is the common name for the chemical substance with the formula “H2O”?
      • Answer: Water
    • What is called the “powerhouse of the cell”?
      • Answer: Mitochondria
    • What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?
      • Answer: The crust
    • What is the term for a volcano not currently erupting?
      • Answer: Dormant
    • Name the man credited with developing the theory of evolution.
      • Answer: Charles Darwin
Section 3 of 21:

History Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. To say a lot of history is covered in middle school is an understatement! Nonetheless, we’ve rounded up some of the best middle-school-level history questions on both ancient civilizations and important historical events from the last century. Take a look! [2]
    • In which ancient civilization were the first Olympic games held?
      • Answer: Greece
    • In what year did the RMS Titanic sink after hitting an iceberg?
      • Answer: 1912
    • Who was the first person to walk on the moon?
      • Answer: Neil Armstrong
    • Which civil rights leader famously made his “I Have a Dream” speech?
      • Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.
    • In which year did the United States declare independence from Britain?
      • Answer: 1776
    • Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States?
      • Answer: France
    • What is the name of the ship that famously brought Pilgrims to America in 1620?
      • Answer: The Mayflower
    • What was the name of the ancient trade route connecting China with Europe?
      • Answer: The Silk Road
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Section 4 of 21:

Geography Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. How much do you (or your middle-schoolers) know about the world’s geography? These middle school geography questions cover various continents, countries, oceans, and other geographical features around the world.
    • Which two Asian countries border Mount Everest?
      • Answer: China and Nepal
    • What is the world’s longest river? (Hint: It’s in Africa)
      • Answer: Nile River
    • Which formation in Australia can be seen from space?
      • Answer: Great Barrier Reef
    • What is the smallest ocean in the world?
      • Answer: Arctic Ocean
    • What is the smallest state in the United States?
      • Answer: Rhode Island
    • Which country has the highest population in the world?
      • Answer: India
    • Which U.S. state has the most islands?
      • Answer: Alaska
Section 5 of 21:

Math Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. From fractions to basic geometry, these trivia questions cover middle-school-level math. Try them out to see how much math knowledge you or your middle schooler can recall at the drop of a hat!
    • What is the fraction ¾ written as a decimal?
      • Answer : 0.75
    • Is 0 (zero) an even number?
      • Answer: Yes
    • What is the sum of a triangle’s inner angles?
      • Answer: 180 degrees
    • What is the smallest prime number?
      • Answer: 2
    • How many feet are included in a yard?
      • Answer: 3 feet
    • Is it possible to write Pi as a fraction?
      • Answer: No (it’s an irrational number)
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Section 6 of 21:

Space Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. In the immortal words of Captain Kirk, space really is the final frontier. From our vast solar system to the galaxy and beyond, these questions touch on all kinds of middle-school-level space and astronomy knowledge.
    • Which planet in the solar system has the most moons?
      • Answer: Saturn (with 274 moons confirmed)
    • What is the name of the galaxy that Earth is a part of?
      • Answer: The Milky Way
    • How many planets are part of our solar system?
      • Answer: 8
    • What’s the biggest planet in the solar system?
      • Answer: Jupiter
    • What is the smallest planet in the solar system?
      • Answer: Mercury
    • Which phase of the moon isn’t visible in the night sky from Earth?
      • Answer: New moon
Section 7 of 21:

Biology Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. We’ve covered the world and even outer space—but what about the human body and everything within? These middle school trivia questions cover basic human biology and some of the fascinating details associated with that topic.
    • What is the colorful part of the eye called?
      • Answer: Iris
    • How many bones are found in the adult human body?
      • Answer: 206
    • How many teeth do adult humans have?
      • Answer: 32
    • What’s the largest organ in the human body?
      • Answer: Skin
    • How many chambers does the human heart have?
      • Answer: 4
    • Which tiny structures within cells carry our genetic information?
      • Answer: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
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Section 8 of 21:

Literature Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. How familiar are you with classic literature? Now’s your chance to find out with these middle school literature trivia questions, touching on great works like To Kill a Mockingbird and the Chronicles of Narnia. If you’re a literature fan, these questions are for you!
    • In Charlotte’s Web , what kind of animal is Wilbur?
      • Answer: Pig
    • Which author wrote The Great Gatsby ?
      • Answer: F. Scott Fitzgerald
    • In Sherlock Holmes , what is the name of Holmes’s faithful assistant?
      • Answer: Dr. John H. Watson
    • Which author wrote the Chronicles of Narnia series?
      • Answer: C.S. Lewis
    • What is the name of The Hobbit ’s protagonist?
      • Answer: Bilbo Baggins
    • What is the name of Scout’s father, a lawyer, in To Kill a Mockingbird ?
      • Answer: Atticus Finch
Section 9 of 21:

Inventions & Technology Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. We all rely on technology in various ways—but what about its history? Can you or your middle schooler recall details about some of history’s most important inventions? These middle-school-level trivia questions will test knowledge of inventions and technology.
    • Which American inventor created the lightbulb?
      • Answer: Thomas Edison
    • In which year did Apple release the first iPhone?
      • Answer: 2007
    • Which inventor is credited with inventing the telephone?
      • Answer: Alexander Graham Bell
    • What does the “www” in website addresses stand for?
      • Answer: World Wide Web
    • What is physicist Marie Curie credited with discovering?
      • Answer: Radioactivity
    • What does “STEM” stand for?
      • Answer: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
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Section 10 of 21:

Weather & Meteorology Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. It’s easy to look up at the sky and identify what the weather is like, but do you know how the weather works? Can you identify what different types of clouds or storms are called? Find out here with this collection of weather-themed middle school trivia questions. [3]
    • In which direction does the sun rise and set?
      • Answer: Rises in the east, sets in the west
    • Stratus, cumulus, and cirrus are all types of ____.
      • Answer: Cloud
    • What tool is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
      • Answer: Barometer
    • What do you call a scientist who studies the weather?
      • Answer: A meteorologist
    • What is a tornado called when it forms over water?
      • Answer: Waterspout
    • What is the driest desert on Earth?
      • Answer: Atacama Desert (in northern Chile)
Section 11 of 21:

Mythology Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Mythology is an absolutely fascinating topic—and we’re talking about more than just the iconic Greek myths. After all, just about every region of the world has its own ancient folklore and mythology. Take a deeper dive into world mythology with these trivia questions: [4]
    • What was the name of the Norse god of thunder and lightning?
      • Answer: Thor
    • What was the name of King Arthur’s legendary sword?
      • Answer: Excalibur
    • What is the name of the Hindu goddess of death and destruction?
      • Answer: Kali
    • Which ancient Egyptian god was the ruler of the underworld?
      • Answer: Osiris
    • Which Greek god was the ruler of the Olympian pantheon?
      • Answer: Zeus
    • What is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty?
      • Answer: Aphrodite
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Section 12 of 21:

Animal Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Animals: you love them, but how much do you really know about them? Find out by trying these middle-school-level animal questions! They touch on animals of all shapes and sizes, from fierce birds of prey to some of the most majestic mammals on Earth.
    • What animal has the longest lifespan in the world?
      • Answer: Tortoise
    • Penguins are only found naturally on one continent. Which is it?
      • Answer: Antarctica
    • What is the biggest land animal in the world?
      • Answer: Elephants
    • What is the biggest species of shark?
      • Answer: Whale shark
    • Which animal carries its babies in a pouch on its body?
      • Answer: Kangaroos
    • Which bird is the United States’ national symbol?
      • Answer: Bald eagle
Section 13 of 21:

Arts & Entertainment Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. From classic and iconic works of art to contemporary works of entertainment, these questions will test people’s knowledge of artists, plays, musicals, movies, and more. Take a look:
    • What is the name of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting with a mysterious smile?
      • Answer: The Mona Lisa
    • In what year was the first Star Wars movie released?
      • Answer: 1977
    • Which artist painted the famous “Starry Night” painting?
      • Answer: Vincent van Gogh
    • What Toy Story character’s catchphrase is “To infinity and beyond”?
      • Answer: Buzz Lightyear
    • Which Broadway musical features the well-known song “Defying Gravity”?
      • Answer: Wicked
    • Which playwright—nicknamed the “Bard of Avon”—wrote Romeo and Juliet ?
      • Answer: William Shakespeare
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Section 14 of 21:

Pop Culture Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Now for trivia you won’t learn about in school—pop culture trivia, that is! How in touch are you with the pop culture of today (and the last few years)? Find out with the following trivia questions:
    • Which pop singer became the inspiration for the “Brat Summer” trend?
      • Answer: Charli XCX
    • Which K-pop group became the first to perform at Coachella?
      • Answer: BLACKPINK
    • What TV show was Selena Gomez’s first gig?
      • Answer: Barney and Friends
    • In what year did the comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live debut?
      • Answer: 1975
    • What was the first Taylor Swift song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100?
      • Answer: “Tim McGraw”
    • What fictional city does the popular character Batman live in?
      • Answer: Gotham
    • What reality dance show was Zendaya a contestant on?
      • Answer: Dancing With the Stars
Section 15 of 21:

Music Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Middle school is usually the age kids start developing a more well-rounded knowledge of music. That’s why we’re covering everything from contemporary to classical in our music-themed trivia questions! See how many you can answer:
    • Which four instruments make up a string quartet?
      • Answer: Two violins, a viola, and a cello
    • Which singer became the “King of Pop” during his career?
      • Answer: Michael Jackson
    • Which singer took off with the hit song “Good 4 U” in 2021?
      • Answer: Olivia Rodrigo
    • Which classical composer created his last five symphonies while nearly deaf?
      • Answer: Ludwig van Beethoven
    • Which singer released the hit song “Thank U, Next”?
      • Answer: Ariana Grande
    • Who was the original lead singer of the rock band Queen?
      • Answer: Freddie Mercury
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Section 16 of 21:

Video Game Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Video games definitely aren’t a typical school topic, but considering how big of a hit they are among kids (and adults) of all ages, we’ve included some middle-school-level questions for gamers. Take a look!
    • Which major tech company acquired Minecraft in 2014?
      • Answer: Microsoft
    • What is the final course in all Mario Kart games called?
      • Answer: Rainbow Road
    • The first Call of Duty game launched in what year?
      • Answer: 2009
    • What is the name of the mega-popular battle royale game released by Epic Games in 2017?
      • Answer: Fortnite
    • What video game did Mario first appear in?
      • Answer: Donkey Kong
    • What is the name of the original default player character in Minecraft ?
      • Answer: Steve
Section 17 of 21:

Sports Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Are you a giant sports fan? Even if you aren’t, we bet you could give at least a couple of these middle-school-level sports questions your best shot. Try them out:
    • The Summer Olympics are held every ___ years.
      • Answer: 4
    • Which sport is known as the “king of sports”?
      • Answer: Soccer
    • How many points is a touchdown worth in American football?
      • Answer: 6 points
    • What does “NBA” stand for?
      • Answer: National Basketball Association
    • What part of the body isn’t allowed to touch the ball in soccer?
      • Answer: Hands
    • How long is a marathon race?
      • Answer: 26.2 miles
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Section 18 of 21:

Food Trivia for Middle School Kids

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  1. Some people are self-described “foodies,” and some will eat just about anything—but these middle-school-level questions are for anyone, foodie or otherwise! Find out how much you know about food and where some of the most beloved recipes come from:
    • What type of nut is added to chocolate in the popular Nutella spread?
      • Answer: Hazelnut
    • What is the name of the fish with a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken?
      • Answer: Turducken
    • What is Spain’s national dish?
      • Answer: Paella
    • What is the main ingredient in traditional hummus?
      • Answer: Chickpeas
    • What type of pasta is shaped like a bow tie?
      • Answer: Farfalle
    • What is the name of the most expensive spice (which comes from crocus flowers)?
      • Answer: Saffron
Section 19 of 21:

Riddles for Middle School Kids

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  1. You’ve tested your mettle with a wide range of trivia questions—now find out if you’re a master of riddles, too! This collection of riddles is tricky but not impossible; it’s perfect for middle-school-level riddlers and above.
    • You throw away my outside, eat my inside, then throw away the inside. What am I?
      • Answer: Corn on the cob
    • You’re in a dark room with a box of matches. Nearby are three things: a candle, an oil lamp, and a fireplace with logs. Which do you light first?
      • Answer: The match
    • A cowboy rode into town on Friday, stayed for three days, then rode out on Friday. How could that be possible?
      • Answer: The horse’s name was Friday
    • What is heavy going forward but not going backward?
      • Answer: Ton
    • What can go through glass without breaking it?
      • Answer: Light
    • What can run but never walk, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, and has a bed but never sleeps?
      • Answer: A river
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Section 20 of 21:

Trivia for Preschool Kids

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  1. Need a few trivia questions for preschool-age kids? We’ve got you covered! For kids between the ages of 2 to 5, these trivia questions are much less complex than the middle-school-level collection above.
    • What is the biggest ocean in the world?
      • Answer: The Pacific Ocean
    • How many sides do triangles have?
      • Answer: 3
    • What character had a nose that got longer every time he lied?
      • Answer: Pinocchio
    • What is water called when it freezes?
      • Answer: Ice
    • What do bees make in their hives?
      • Answer: Honey
    • How many days are there in a full year?
      • Answer: 365
    • What is a group of fish called?
      • Answer: A school of fish
    • How many legs are on a spider?
      • Answer: 8
    • What is the name of the house where the US President lives?
      • Answer: The White House
Section 21 of 21:

Trivia for Elementary School Kids

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  1. For trivia questions that are a step up from preschool but still a step below middle school, we have this collection of elementary-school-level trivia! They cover general knowledge questions that elementary-age kids can sink their teeth into and enjoy answering.
    • What is the main type of plant that pandas eat?
      • Answer: Bamboo
    • What is a baby kangaroo called?
      • Answer: A joey
    • What type of tree leaf is featured on the Canadian flag?
      • Answer: Maple leaf
    • Which historical figure kept a diary during World War II as a young girl?
      • Answer: Anne Frank
    • What is the name of the closest star to Earth?
      • Answer: The Sun
    • Who was the president of the United States during the Civil War?
      • Answer: Abraham Lincoln
    • What mountain range is Mount Everest part of?
      • Answer: The Himalayas
    • In which country is the “Great Wall of ____” located?
      • Answer: China
    • What kind of fish is Nemo in Finding Nemo ?
      • Answer: A clownfish
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      • Now that you have your middle school trivia questions, here are some fun ways to use them:
        • Teachers could organize a trivia competition in the classroom, dividing their students into teams and even offering small prizes to the group that answers the most questions.
        • Teachers could also give their students a quick “brain break” and have them answer a few trivia questions before beginning a new lesson.
        • Break students into study groups and have them ask each other trivia questions related to their studies as a way to help them learn the information.
        • Outside of the classroom, you could use these trivia questions on a family game night where both parents and kids can participate!
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