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Reducing Air Pollution — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-ESS3-1

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This engaging 250-word science passage introduces Grade 4-5 students to the technology used to reduce air pollution from power plants. Students learn how scrubbers and filters work to remove pollutants from emissions before they enter the atmosphere. The passage explains pollution control technology in age-appropriate language, using concrete examples and clear cause-and-effect relationships. Students discover that while cleaner technology helps reduce the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, it cannot eliminate all pollution. The passage connects to the broader understanding that switching to renewable energy sources is the most effective way to reduce air pollution. Aligned with NGSS 4-ESS3-1 standards, this resource includes audio integration for enhanced accessibility, a simplified differentiated version for struggling readers, Spanish translations of both versions, comprehensive glossary, multiple-choice quiz testing recall and comprehension, writing activities requiring application of concepts, and graphic organizers including a problem-solution table and advantages-disadvantages comparison. The content uses familiar analogies and concrete examples to make abstract scientific concepts tangible for elementary students while building essential vocabulary around emissions, pollution control, and environmental technology.

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Baren B-757 air purifier — An air purifier cleans indoor air by pulling it through filters. Image credit Morn / Wikimedia Commons

Pollution is harmful materials that get into the air, water, or land. Pollution can make people sick and hurt plants and animals. The good news is that people can make choices to reduce pollution and protect our environment.

One important way to reduce pollution is by using cleaner energy sources. Energy sources are things that give us power to run cars, heat homes, and make electricity. Some energy sources, like coal and gasoline, create a lot of pollution when we burn them. Renewable energy sources like solar power (from the sun) and wind power create much less pollution. When people choose to use solar panels on their homes or support wind farms, they help reduce air pollution.

Another way to reduce pollution is by improving technology. Engineers design better machines and vehicles that produce fewer emissions, which are gases and particles released into the air. For example, newer cars use less gasoline and release less pollution than older cars. Factories can also use special filters to clean smoke before it goes into the air.

People can also reduce pollution by making smart choices about waste. Reducing means using less stuff in the first place. Reusing means using things again instead of throwing them away. Recycling means turning old materials into new products. When we reduce, reuse, and recycle, less trash ends up in landfills and oceans, which helps keep our planet cleaner and healthier for everyone.

What is pollution?

Harmful materials in air, water, or landClean energy from the sunA type of renewable energyA way to recycle materials

Which energy source creates less pollution?

Coal and gasolineSolar and wind powerOld cars and trucksFactory smoke

What are emissions?

Special filters for factoriesSolar panels on homesGases and particles released into airMaterials we can recycle

How does improved technology reduce pollution?

It makes cars use more gasolineIt creates more emissions from factoriesIt makes machines produce fewer emissionsIt increases the amount of trash

Why does recycling help reduce pollution?

It uses more energy sourcesIt keeps trash out of landfillsIt creates more emissionsIt makes pollution worse

What happens when people use solar panels?

They create more air pollutionThey use more coal and gasolineThey help reduce air pollutionThey make more trash