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Carbon Footprint — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS3-4
MS-ESS3-5

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This NGSS-aligned passage for grades 6-8 explores the concept of a carbon footprint, focusing on how personal activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Students will learn the difference between direct and indirect emissions, why carbon footprints are measured in CO2 equivalent units, and how individual choices affect global climate change. The passage integrates scientific thinking by explaining both the mechanisms and the broader impacts of carbon footprints, using real-world data and examples. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and differentiated content for struggling readers. A glossary supports vocabulary development, while graphic organizers help students compare direct and indirect emissions and analyze cause and effect relationships. This resource is audio integrated for accessibility and offers Spanish translations for bilingual learners. Ideal for teachers seeking engaging, standards-based science content and activities for middle school classrooms.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are a major force driving global climate change. Every year, scientists measure the total amount of these gases each person causes by their actions—this is known as a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the sum of all greenhouse gases released directly or indirectly by your daily life, measured in tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. Scientists use 'CO₂ equivalent' because it lets them combine different greenhouse gases, like methane and nitrous oxide, by converting their effects into the same units as carbon dioxide. This allows for easy comparison and understanding of total impact.

How Is a Carbon Footprint Created?

Your carbon footprint includes both direct emissions and indirect emissions. Direct emissions come from sources you control, such as driving a gasoline car, heating your home, or using electricity from fossil fuels. For example, when you drive to school, the gasoline burned releases CO₂ straight into the air. Indirect emissions come from products and services you use, but do not control directly. This includes emissions from making, transporting, and packaging food and products you buy. For instance, a hamburger’s footprint includes emissions from raising cattle, growing animal feed, processing the meat, and shipping it to stores. Both types add up to your annual carbon footprint.

Measuring and Comparing Carbon Footprints

The average person in the United States has a carbon footprint of about 16 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, while the global average is closer to 4 tons. Scientists say that to slow climate change, people worldwide need to lower their average footprint to about 2 tons per person by 2050. Measuring your footprint involves looking at home energy use, transportation, food choices, purchases, and waste. Even small changes—like eating less meat, using public transit, or buying less—can reduce your footprint. Online calculators can estimate your footprint based on your habits and choices.

Why Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Matters

Caring about your carbon footprint links personal choices to a global challenge. When large groups of people lower their emissions, it can slow the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This helps reduce risks like rising sea levels, extreme weather, and harm to ecosystems. Understanding your footprint gives you the power to make changes, influence others, and support policies that protect the planet. It also connects to larger scientific ideas about systems, cause and effect, and human impacts on Earth.

Interesting Fact:
One kilogram of beef can produce over 25 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent, making it one of the highest-carbon foods on the planet.

What is a carbon footprint?

The total amount of greenhouse gases a person causes each yearThe number of steps a person takes each dayThe amount of water a person uses each yearThe amount of oxygen a person breathes each day

Which of the following is an example of a direct emission?

Driving a gasoline carBuying a new bicycleEating a saladWearing a cotton T-shirt

Why do scientists use 'CO₂ equivalent'?

To combine the effects of different greenhouse gases into a single unitTo measure only CO₂ in the airTo count the number of carbon atomsTo estimate water pollution

What is the global average carbon footprint per person per year?

4 tons16 tons2 tons25 tons

Which gas is NOT a greenhouse gas mentioned in the passage?

OxygenCarbon dioxideMethaneNitrous oxide

What would likely happen if everyone reduced their carbon footprint?

Greenhouse gas levels would rise more slowlyThe oceans would become saltierThere would be more fossil fuels undergroundWeather would stop changing

What is an indirect emission?

An emission from making and transporting products you useAn emission from breathing airAn emission from walking to schoolAn emission from watching TV

Reducing meat consumption can help lower your carbon footprint.

TrueFalse

The main purpose of measuring your carbon footprint is to understand your impact on climate change.

TrueFalse