The Mission Control Room — Passage

Grades
2
3
4
Standards
RL.3.1
RL.2.1
RL.4.8
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
This comprehensive passage introduces students to the complex world of space mission control, connecting with NGSS standards for engineering design and systems thinking. The narrative breaks down the sophisticated technology and operations of mission control into understandable concepts for young readers. Through Sarah's exploration of the control room's functions, students learn about the crucial role of ground-based operations in space exploration. The passage emphasizes the collaborative nature of space missions and the importance of monitoring systems.
Publisher: Workybooks
|
Written by:Neha Goel Tripathi
|
Illustrated by:
mission control, space communication, NASA operations, space technology, space missions, control room, space science

The next room made Sarah feel like she had stepped into a movie. Rows of computers and large screens covered the walls, and in the center was a replica of a mission control desk.

 

"This is what a real Mission Control room looks like," Alex said. "From here, scientists and engineers communicate with astronauts in space and monitor everything about their mission."

 

Sarah sat in one of the chairs and looked at all the buttons and screens. "What do all these buttons do?" she asked.

 

"Each button and screen has a special job," Alex explained. "Some show the spacecraft's location, others monitor the astronauts' health, and some control communication with space."

What was special about the room Sarah entered?

It was emptyIt was a replica of Mission ControlIt was painted blueIt was full of aliens

What do scientists do in Mission Control?

Take napsPlay video gamesCommunicate with astronauts and monitor missionsCook space food

What did Sarah do in the Mission Control room?

Sat in one of the chairsTook a napCalled an astronautPlayed hide and seek

What do the different screens in Mission Control show?

Only TV showsOnly weather reportsOnly space mapsSpacecraft location and astronaut health information

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.4.8
(Not applicable to literature)

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