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Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: sciencereadingela
Standards: MS-ESS1-1
Languages: English, Spanish

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Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This engaging middle school science passage introduces students to the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, two of the most puzzling components of our universe. Aligned to NGSS MS-ESS1-1, students will learn about the evidence that led scientists to discover that ordinary matter only makes up about 5% of the universe, while dark matter accounts for 27% and dark energy for 68%. The passage explains key phenomena such as galaxy rotation curves, galaxy cluster masses, and gravitational lensing, showing how these observations reveal the existence of invisible matter and mysterious forces. With academic vocabulary, real-world examples, and accessible explanations, this resource is perfect for grades 6-8. Audio integration supports diverse learners. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to deepen understanding. This passage helps students think like scientists and connects to broader scientific principles and inquiry.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Scientists have made a surprising discovery about our universe. Most of it is made of substances we cannot see or detect directly. These mysterious components are called dark matter and dark energy. Together, they make up about 95% of everything that exists. Only 5% of the universe consists of normal matter that forms stars, planets, and everything we can observe.

Dark matter is invisible material that does not emit or absorb light. Scientists explain its existence through several types of evidence. When astronomers measure how fast stars orbit in galaxies, they find something unusual. The stars move too quickly for the amount of visible matter present. Without extra mass from dark matter, these stars would fly apart into space. Evidence also comes from gravitational lensing, where massive objects bend light passing nearby. Galaxy clusters bend light more than their visible matter can explain. This suggests invisible dark matter provides the extra mass. Scientists estimate dark matter makes up about 27% of the universe. Researchers think it may consist of exotic particles called WIMPs, but these particles have not been detected directly yet.

Dark energy is even more mysterious than dark matter. In 1998, astronomers studying distant supernovae made an unexpected observation. These exploding stars appeared dimmer than predicted. This finding showed the universe's expansion is actually accelerating. Scientists propose dark energy causes this acceleration. Dark energy may be a property of space itself. Einstein once proposed a cosmological constant to describe energy in empty space. This concept may help explain dark energy. Scientists estimate dark energy comprises about 68% of the universe.

Understanding the universe's composition matters because it reveals how little we actually know. We can only directly study about 5% of what exists. Dark matter and dark energy represent major mysteries in modern astronomy. Solving these mysteries can help scientists understand how galaxies formed and how the universe will evolve in the future.

Interesting Fact: If you could weigh everything in the universe, dark energy would account for more than two-thirds of the total. Scientists are working to understand what this mysterious force actually is.

What percentage of the universe is made up of normal matter that we can see and detect?

5%27%68%95%

Which observation provides evidence for the existence of dark matter?

Stars in galaxies orbit too slowly for the visible matter presentStars in galaxies orbit too fast for the visible matter presentDistant supernovae appear brighter than expectedThe universe's expansion is slowing down

What is gravitational lensing?

The emission of light from dark matterThe bending of light by massive objectsThe absorption of light by dark energyThe reflection of light off galaxy surfaces

What discovery did astronomers make in 1998 by studying distant supernovae?

The universe is contractingDark matter does not existThe universe's expansion is acceleratingAll galaxies are moving toward Earth

Based on the passage, what are WIMPs?

A type of visible star in distant galaxiesExotic particles that may make up dark matterA form of energy that causes universal expansionNormal atoms found in planets and stars

Why do scientists think dark energy might be a property of space itself?

Because it can be seen through telescopesBecause Einstein's cosmological constant describes energy in empty spaceBecause it makes up only 5% of the universeBecause it causes stars to orbit faster

If dark matter did not exist, what would likely happen to stars orbiting in galaxies?

They would orbit more slowlyThey would fly apart into spaceThey would stop moving completelyThey would emit more light

Which component makes up the largest percentage of the universe?

Normal matterDark matterDark energyStars and planets

Dark matter emits light that can be detected by telescopes.

TrueFalse

Scientists have directly detected and identified the particles that make up dark matter.

TrueFalse