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Permafrost and Climate Change — Reading Comprehension

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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.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Permafrost is ground that stays frozen for at least two years in a row. Much of the world's permafrost is found in cold places like Alaska, Canada, and Siberia. Permafrost can be made of soil, rocks, sand, and even dead plants and animals that froze thousands of years ago.

When permafrost stays frozen, the carbon inside it is trapped. Carbon is a key part of all living things, and when plants and animals die, their remains can get buried in permafrost. Over time, huge amounts of carbon have built up in these frozen grounds.

But when the Earth gets warmer, permafrost begins to melt. As the frozen ground thaws, tiny microbes wake up and start breaking down the dead plants and animals. This process releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) into the air.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, just like a blanket keeps you warm. This is called the greenhouse effect. A small amount of greenhouse gases is natural and important for life. But if too much is released, it can make the planet warmer than it should be. This is called global warming or climate change.

Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas. It traps much more heat than carbon dioxide, even though there is less of it in the atmosphere. When permafrost melts, both methane and carbon dioxide are released, speeding up global warming.

Scientists are worried about the melting of permafrost because it creates a cycle. As permafrost thaws and releases greenhouse gases, the planet gets warmer. This makes even more permafrost melt and release more gases. This cycle could make climate change happen faster.

Real-world examples show how melting permafrost affects people and nature. In some Arctic towns, buildings and roads are sinking because the frozen ground beneath them is thawing. Scientists are studying ways to slow down permafrost melting, such as planting trees or using coolers in the ground.

Interesting Fact: Some permafrost contains ancient viruses and bacteria that have been frozen for thousands of years. As permafrost melts, scientists are discovering these old life forms for the first time!

What is permafrost?

Frozen ground for yearsA type of gasA layer of rockHot underground soil

Which gas is powerful and released by permafrost?

MethaneOxygenNitrogenHydrogen

What do microbes do when permafrost melts?

Break down dead thingsFreeze the groundProduce iceStop working

Why is permafrost important for the climate?

Stores carbon safelyProvides waterProduces oxygenReflects sunlight

What happens if more greenhouse gases are released?

Planet warms fasterPermafrost gets colderMore plants growAir gets cleaner

Buildings in Arctic towns are sinking because...

Ground is thawingIt rains moreAnimals dig holesSnow is heavier