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How Glaciers Store Water — Reading Comprehension

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5-ESS2-2

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This 400-word reading passage introduces fifth-grade students to the important role glaciers play in storing Earth's freshwater. Aligned to NGSS standard 5-ESS2-2, the passage explains that glaciers are huge masses of ice holding about 69% of all freshwater on Earth. Students learn how glaciers form over many years from packed snow in polar regions and high mountains. The passage connects this concept to why so little freshwater is available for human use. Written at a Grade 5 reading level, the passage uses simple sentences and everyday vocabulary to build foundational understanding. Key terms like glacier, freshwater, and ice sheets are bolded and defined. The passage includes concrete analogies and real-world examples that fifth graders can relate to. Audio-integrated features support diverse learners. Supplementary materials include a simplified differentiated version, Spanish translations of both passages, a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing activities, and graphic organizers. These comprehensive resources help students engage with hands-on activities and discussions about Earth's water systems with appropriate background knowledge.

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Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve GLBA20061006205034 — Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve by National Park Service Digital Image Archives / Wikimedia Commons

A glacier is a huge mass of ice that forms on land and moves slowly over time. Glaciers are important because they store the largest share of Earth's freshwater. About 69% of all freshwater on our planet is frozen in glaciers and ice sheets. This means that most of the water we could drink is locked up as ice, which explains why so little freshwater is available for people, animals, and plants to use.

Glaciers form over many years when snow falls and does not melt completely. Each winter, new snow piles on top of old snow. The weight of the new snow presses down on the layers below. Over time, this pressure squeezes the snow together and turns it into solid ice. Think of it like making a snowball—when you pack snow tightly in your hands, it becomes hard and dense. In a glacier, this process happens on a much larger scale and takes hundreds or even thousands of years.

Freshwater is water that contains very little salt and is safe for drinking, farming, and other uses. Most of Earth's water is saltwater in the oceans, which people cannot drink. Only about 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, and most of that freshwater is frozen in glaciers. Ice sheets are the largest type of glacier, covering huge areas of land in polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. These ice sheets can be several miles thick.

Glaciers are found in two main places: polar regions near the North and South Poles, and high mountains around the world. Even in warmer countries, glaciers exist on tall mountains where temperatures stay below freezing. Mountain glaciers are smaller than ice sheets but still hold large amounts of frozen water.

Understanding where Earth's freshwater is stored helps us see why water is such a precious resource. Since most freshwater is frozen in glaciers, only a small amount is available as liquid water in lakes, rivers, and underground. This is why protecting our water sources matters so much.

Interesting Fact: If all the ice in glaciers and ice sheets melted, sea levels around the world would rise by about 230 feet—that's taller than a 20-story building!

What percentage of Earth's freshwater is frozen?

About 25%About 50%About 69%About 90%

Where are ice sheets found?

In deserts and plainsIn polar regions like AntarcticaOnly in the oceanIn tropical rainforests

How do glaciers form over time?

Rain freezes instantly into iceSnow melts and refreezes quicklySnow piles up and pressure turns it into iceWind blows ice into large piles

Why is so little freshwater available?

Most freshwater is frozen in glaciersPeople use too much water dailyFreshwater evaporates into spaceAnimals drink most of the freshwater

What would happen if all glaciers melted?

Sea levels would drop significantlySea levels would rise about 230 feetNothing would change on EarthAll oceans would become freshwater

Where can mountain glaciers be found?

Only in cold countries near polesOnly in Antarctica and GreenlandOn tall mountains in many countriesOnly in valleys below sea level

Glaciers move quickly across the land.

TrueFalse

What is freshwater?

Water with lots of saltWater safe for drinking with little saltWater only found in oceansWater that is always frozen

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How Glaciers Store Water — Reading Comprehension

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