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Permafrost and Climate Change

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

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 678
Subjects: scienceela
Languages: English, Spanish

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What's included

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, NGSS-aligned science passage for grades 6-8 explores how melting permafrost releases greenhouse gases, impacting Earth's climate. Students will learn key concepts such as permafrost, greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane, and the greenhouse effect. The passage also explains real-world examples and includes an 'Interesting Fact' to spark curiosity. The activity set features a multiple-choice quiz, a glossary of important terms, Spanish translation, and writing prompts to deepen understanding and connection to everyday life. The passage supports audio integration for accessibility and differentiated instruction. Key vocabulary is highlighted for easy reference, making this resource ideal for classroom and independent study. Educators can use this lesson to support science standards, especially those related to Earth systems and human impacts on the environment. The included image prompt encourages visual learning about permafrost and climate change.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Permafrost is ground that stays frozen year-round for at least two consecutive years. This frozen soil blankets large areas of the Arctic and tundra regions. Permafrost is not just frozen dirt. It contains enormous amounts of carbon from ancient plants and animals that died thousands of years ago. These organisms never fully decayed because the cold temperatures slowed decomposition. Scientists estimate that permafrost holds nearly twice as much carbon as the entire atmosphere.

The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth. Evidence shows that Arctic temperatures are rising at more than twice the global average rate. As temperatures increase, permafrost begins to thaw. When frozen ground thaws, microorganisms become active and break down the trapped organic matter. This decomposition releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Both gases are greenhouse gases that trap heat and warm the planet.

The release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost creates a dangerous feedback loop. Here is how it works: warming temperatures thaw permafrost, which releases greenhouse gases. These gases trap more heat in the atmosphere. The extra heat causes more permafrost to thaw. This cycle continues and accelerates climate change. Scientists explain that feedback loops can lead to tipping points where changes become difficult to reverse.

Thawing permafrost affects Arctic communities in direct ways. In Noatak, Alaska, roads buckle and crack as the ground beneath them softens. Buildings tilt and sink when their foundations lose stability. This damage to infrastructure costs millions of dollars to repair. Some communities may need to relocate entirely. The permafrost that once provided a stable foundation is disappearing.

Understanding permafrost matters because it connects to global climate systems. The carbon locked in frozen ground represents a massive store of potential greenhouse gases. Scientists observe permafrost carefully to predict future climate changes. Evidence shows that protecting permafrost requires reducing global temperatures. This means limiting greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The fate of permafrost affects everyone on Earth, not just Arctic residents.

Interesting Fact: Some permafrost in Siberia has remained frozen for over 650,000 years. Scientists have discovered perfectly preserved woolly mammoth remains in this ancient frozen ground.

What is permafrost?

Ground that stays frozen year-round for at least two yearsIce that forms on top of lakes in winterSnow that never melts in mountain regionsFrozen water deep underground

Why didn't ancient plants and animals in permafrost fully decay?

They were buried too deep undergroundCold temperatures slowed decompositionThere was no oxygen in the soilThey turned into fossils instead

What does the term 'greenhouse gases' mean in this passage?

Gases used to grow plants in greenhousesGases that make the atmosphere greenGases that trap heat and warm the planetGases that protect Earth from the sun

According to the passage, how does a feedback loop work with permafrost?

Warming thaws permafrost, releasing gases that cause more warmingPermafrost freezes more ground, which cools the planetScientists study permafrost and share their findingsArctic communities move away, reducing emissions

What real-world example does the passage provide of permafrost damage?

Melting glaciers in AntarcticaRising sea levels in coastal citiesBuckling roads and sinking buildings in Noatak, AlaskaIncreased wildfires in forests

Based on the passage, why is the Arctic warming faster than other regions?

The passage states it is warming faster but does not explain whyThere are more greenhouse gases in the ArcticThe sun shines more directly on the ArcticArctic ice reflects less sunlight

What can scientists predict by observing permafrost carefully?

When the next ice age will occurFuture climate changesWhere to build new Arctic communitiesHow to create artificial permafrost

According to the passage, what is needed to protect permafrost?

Building stronger foundations for Arctic buildingsMoving all Arctic communities to warmer areasReducing global temperatures by limiting greenhouse gas emissionsCovering permafrost with insulating materials

True or False: Permafrost contains nearly twice as much carbon as the entire atmosphere.

TrueFalse

True or False: Only Arctic residents are affected by what happens to permafrost.

TrueFalse