The Mars Rover — Passage

Premium Resource
Grades
2
3
4
Standards
RL.3.1
RL.2.1
RL.4.4
PRINT+DIGITAL RESOURCE
This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksshet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
ABOUT THIS READER
The Mars Rover' introduces young readers to the cutting-edge technology used in exploring other planets. Sarah encounters a model of the Mars Rover, sparking a discussion about its purpose and capabilities. The story explains how these robotic explorers capture images, collect samples, and help scientists learn about Mars. The comparison of controlling the rover to playing a video game makes this advanced technology relatable to children. This passage highlights the intersection of robotics, space exploration, and planetary science, encouraging interest in STEM fields. It demonstrates how human ingenuity overcomes the challenges of exploring distant worlds, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Publisher: Workybooks
|
Written by:Neha Goel Tripathi
|
Illustrated by:
Mars Rover, space exploration, robotics, NASA, planetary science, STEM

As they moved to the next exhibit, Sarah saw a strange-looking vehicle with six wheels. It had a long arm with a claw at the end and was covered in solar panels.

 

"This is a model of the Mars Rover," Alex said. "NASA sends these robots to explore the surface of Mars. They take pictures, collect samples, and help us learn about the Red Planet."

 

Sarah's classmate, Tim, asked, "How does it move around on Mars?"

 

"Great question!" Alex replied. "The Rover is controlled by scientists on Earth. They send commands telling it where to go and what to do. It's like playing a video game, but on another planet!"

What did Sarah see in the next exhibit?

A space shuttleA model of the Mars RoverA telescopeA moon rock

What does the Mars Rover do?

It transports astronautsIt explores the surface of MarsIt cleans the space stationIt repairs satellites

How is the Mars Rover controlled?

By astronauts on MarsBy aliensBy scientists on EarthIt controls itself

What did Alex compare controlling the Rover to?

Driving a carFlying a planePlaying a video gameRiding a bicycle

Common core standards covered

RL.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
RL.3.1
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
RL.4.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).

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