James Watt and the Steam Engine — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.3.3-5
D2.HIS.16.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the life and work of James Watt and his impact on the Industrial Revolution, focusing on how his improved steam engine changed factories, transportation, and daily life in America. The passage offers a clear, chronological narrative that helps students understand cause and effect, technological progress, and the importance of innovation during the Progressive Era. Activities include a glossary of key terms, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline of events, and a graphic organizer to support comprehension. This resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and includes a Spanish translation and read aloud audio to support diverse learners. Key vocabulary words are highlighted and explained to build academic language, while the passage structure supports foundational literacy skills. Teachers and students will find this resource ideal for learning about American inventors and the lasting effects of the Industrial Revolution.

CONTENT PREVIEW

PSM V12 D153 Watt workshop at home — James Watt workshop at home" by Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

James Watt was a Scottish inventor who changed the world with his work on the steam engine. Before his time, people used water, wind, or animals to power machines. Factories needed a better way to make things faster and easier. In 1765, Watt began to fix problems with old steam engines.

Watt noticed that the old engines wasted too much energy. He wanted to make them work better. In 1769, he built a new part called a separate condenser. This part helped the engine use less coal and work faster. Watt’s design was a big step forward.

Soon, factories started using Watt’s steam engines. They could now run machines all day and night. This led to the Industrial Revolution, a time when many new inventions changed how people lived and worked.

Watt worked with a businessman named Matthew Boulton. Together, they built many steam engines and sold them to factories in England and America. The steam engine also changed transportation. Trains and steamboats used steam power to move people and goods quickly across long distances.

Watt’s ideas helped cities grow. More people moved to towns to work in factories. This made new jobs but also brought new problems, like crowded cities and pollution. Still, the steam engine made life easier for many people. It helped make goods cheaper and faster to produce.

In 1782, Watt made another important change. He created a way for the engine to turn wheels, not just move up and down. This let steam engines power even more machines. Watt once said, “I can think of nothing else but this machine.” His hard work and new ideas inspired other inventors to keep building better machines.

Today, James Watt’s name lives on. We use the word “watt” to measure power. His steam engine helped start a new age of science and industry in the United States and around the world.

Interesting Fact: James Watt did not invent the steam engine, but his improvements made it much more useful for factories and cities.

Who improved the steam engine?

James WattThomas EdisonMatthew BoultonGeorge Washington

What did Watt invent in 1769?

Separate condenserLight bulbTelephoneSteam train

What did factories use Watt’s engines for?

Power machinesGrow foodWrite booksBuild houses

Why was the steam engine important?

Made factories work fasterBuilt more housesCleaned riversGrew more crops

What was a problem caused by factories?

PollutionMore animalsFewer jobsBetter weather

How did the steam engine help cities?