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The Melting Point of Aluminum — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

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5-PS1
MS-PS1-4
RI.6.3
RI.7.1

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This science reading passage, 'The Melting Point of Aluminum,' introduces middle school students to the physical property of melting point through the example of aluminum. With a melting point of 660.3°C (1220.5°F), aluminum changes from solid to liquid at a lower temperature than many other metals, making it easier to melt, shape, and recycle. The passage explains how melting point is a physical property—one that can be observed without changing the identity of a substance. Students will learn why aluminum is widely used in industries like transportation, packaging, and construction. This content supports the NGSS standard MS-PS1-4, which focuses on particle motion, temperature, and state changes in pure substances. It also supports Common Core standards such as RI.6.1 and RI.6.4. Engaging and accessible, the passage includes a fun fact about aluminum’s abundance and offers 8 multiple choice questions to reinforce comprehension, vocabulary, and science literacy.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Aluminum is a light, silver-colored metal used in many everyday items. You can find it in soda cans, kitchen foil, airplanes, and even bicycles. One important property of aluminum is its melting point—the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid.

The melting point of aluminum is 660.3 degrees Celsius (or 1220.5 degrees Fahrenheit). This is much lower than the melting point of steel, but still much hotter than most kitchen ovens can reach. Because it melts at a lower temperature than other metals, aluminum is easier to shape and recycle.

Melting point is a physical property. That means it can be measured without changing what the substance is made of. When aluminum melts, it becomes a liquid, but it is still aluminum. Its basic structure stays the same, just in a different form.

Aluminum’s melting point makes it useful in many industries. In factories, aluminum is heated until it melts and is then poured into molds to make car parts, cans, and machine parts. Its low melting point also makes it great for recycling. Used aluminum can be melted and reused many times without losing quality.

Understanding melting points helps scientists and engineers know how to work with materials safely and efficiently. For aluminum, it’s all about being lightweight, easy to shape, and energy-efficient to recycle.

Fun Fact : Aluminum is the most abundant metal in Earth’s crust, making up about 8% of the planet’s solid surface!

What is the main idea of the passage?

Aluminum is more expensive than steelAluminum can be found in foodThe melting point of aluminum and why it is importantHow to clean aluminum properly

What is the melting point of aluminum in Celsius?

0°C100°C660.3°C1535°C

Why is aluminum easier to recycle than other metals?

It is heavier than steelIt melts at a lower temperatureIt dissolves in waterIt doesn’t need heat to recycle

What is meant by a physical property?

A trait that changes the substance completelyA property that only gases haveA measurable trait that does not change the substance's identitySomething only scientists care about

Which item is not listed in the passage as made of aluminum?

Soda cansAirplanesBicyclesShoes

What happens when aluminum melts?

It turns into a gasIt changes into a new substanceIt turns into liquid aluminumIt loses all its strength

Why is knowing the melting point of aluminum useful?

To cook with itTo know how to throw it awayTo shape and recycle it safelyTo stop it from rusting

What is a benefit of aluminum’s lower melting point?

It cannot be used in machinesIt breaks down easilyIt is easier to shape and reuseIt freezes faster than water