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How Energy Use Affects the Environment — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-ESS3-1

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This 250-word informational reading passage aligns with NGSS standard 4-ESS3-1 and introduces fourth-grade students to the concept of how energy use affects the environment. The passage explains that most of our energy comes from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, and describes how burning these fuels releases harmful substances into the air, water, and land. Students learn about air pollution, water contamination, and land damage through accessible examples and age-appropriate language. The passage includes bolded vocabulary terms with immediate definitions and uses concrete examples that fourth graders can relate to, such as cars, electricity in homes, and factory operations. Audio integration supports diverse learners by providing text-to-speech functionality. Accompanying activities include multiple-choice comprehension questions testing recall and application, writing prompts that encourage students to explain cause-and-effect relationships, and graphic organizers that help students visualize the connections between energy production and environmental impacts. This resource builds foundational understanding of energy and environmental science concepts, preparing students for hands-on investigations and class discussions about sustainability and conservation.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Factory smoke, coal mine damage, oil spill harming fish in water. — Environmental impacts of fossil fuels: air pollution, land damage, water pollution.

Every day, we use energy to power our homes, schools, and cars. Most of this energy comes from fossil fuels, which are materials like coal, oil, and natural gas that formed underground millions of years ago. When we burn fossil fuels to make energy, they release substances into the air, water, and land that can harm the environment.

Burning fossil fuels creates air pollution, which means harmful substances get into the air we breathe. Factories, power plants, and cars all burn fossil fuels and release smoke and gases. These substances can make the air dirty and unhealthy. Think of it like blowing dust into a clean room—the more dust you blow, the harder it is to breathe and see clearly.

Energy production also affects water and land. When coal is dug out of the ground, it can damage the land and make it hard for plants to grow. Oil spills from ships or pipelines can pollute rivers and oceans, harming fish and other animals. Power plants that burn coal also produce waste, which is leftover material that must be stored somewhere. This waste can leak into soil and water.

Understanding how energy use affects the environment helps us make better choices. We can use less energy by turning off lights and electronics when we don't need them. We can also support cleaner energy sources like wind and solar power that don't pollute as much.

What are fossil fuels?

Materials formed underground millions of years agoClean energy from the sunWater used to make electricityWind that powers turbines

What happens when we burn fossil fuels?

They clean the air and waterThey release harmful substances into environmentThey make plants grow fasterThey cool down the earth

Which creates air pollution?

Planting trees in a parkRiding a bicycle to schoolFactories and cars burning fossil fuelsUsing solar panels for energy

How can oil spills harm environment?

They help fish grow biggerThey pollute water and harm animalsThey clean rivers and oceansThey provide food for plants

What can we do to help?

Use more fossil fuels every dayLeave lights on all the timeTurn off electronics when not neededBurn more coal for energy

Why is waste from power plants harmful?

It helps plants grow betterIt can leak into soil and waterIt cleans the environment naturallyIt provides homes for animals