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How are Greenhouse Gases Similar to a Blanket? — Reading Comprehension

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This audio-integrated reading passage, "The Earth's Cozy Blanket," is designed for 4th-grade students to introduce the complex topic of climate change in a simple, relatable way. It uses the familiar analogy of a blanket to explain the function of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. Students will learn about key terms like carbon dioxide, methane, and the greenhouse effect in a clear and accessible format. The passage explains that while the natural greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are making the "blanket" too thick, leading to global warming and climate change. The content is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), specifically supporting the disciplinary core ideas of Earth and Space Science. The goal is to build foundational knowledge on how human activity impacts the Earth's systems, encouraging an understanding of environmental responsibility. This passage provides an engaging and informative way to explore this critical subject.

CONTENT PREVIEW

unnamed — The Earth's atmosphere acts like a warm blanket.

Greenhouse Gases and Blankets

On a cold night, a blanket keeps you warm by trapping your body heat under it. Without a blanket, your heat escapes into the air, and you feel cold. Earth has its own kind of blanket called the atmosphere. The atmosphere is a layer of air that surrounds the whole planet.

How the Greenhouse Effect Works

The atmosphere contains special gases called greenhouse gases. Important greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and water vapor. These gases act like a blanket around Earth. When the sun shines on Earth, some of the heat goes back into space, but greenhouse gases trap some of the heat and keep it near the ground. This is called the greenhouse effect. It keeps our planet warm enough for people, plants, and animals to live.

Why We Need Just the Right Amount

Just like one blanket keeps you cozy, a normal amount of greenhouse gases keeps Earth comfortable. If there were no greenhouse gases, Earth would be freezing—like sleeping without a blanket in winter! But too many greenhouse gases are a problem, too.

What Happens with Too Many Greenhouse Gases?

When we burn fuels like coal, oil, or gas in cars and factories, we make extra greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. Too many greenhouse gases trap too much heat, making Earth hotter. It’s like covering yourself with five blankets on a summer night—you get too warm and uncomfortable. As Earth warms, ice melts at the poles, weather changes, and some animals have trouble surviving.

What Can We Do?

People can help by using less energy, planting more trees, and using clean energy like wind and solar power. This helps keep the right amount of greenhouse gases—just like choosing the perfect blanket for a good night’s sleep.

Interesting Fact: Venus is covered in thick greenhouse gases, making it the hottest planet in our solar system—even hotter than Mercury, which is closer to the Sun!

What do greenhouse gases do?

Trap heat near EarthMake clouds formCreate rainCool the planet

Which is a greenhouse gas?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHelium

Where do extra greenhouse gases come from?

Burning coal and oilPlanting treesRain and snowWind blowing

What happens if Earth gets too warm?

Ice melts, weather changesEarth freezesNo changePlants grow faster

How can people help the Earth?

Plant trees, use less energyBurn more coalUse more carsMake more factories

Why is Earth's greenhouse effect like a blanket?

Both trap heatBoth make rainBoth block lightBoth are heavy