The Space Telescope
Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.
What's included
The Space Telescope preview and details
About this printable The Space Telescope science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 2-4)
Sample passage and quiz from The Space Telescope
Reading passage and comprehension quiz preview
The Space Telescope
The class gathered around a large cylinder-shaped object with a mirror-like surface and complex instruments attached to its sides. A screen nearby showed stunning images of colorful galaxies and glowing nebulas.
"This is a model of a space telescope," Alex said. "Unlike telescopes on Earth, space telescopes orbit high above our planet's atmosphere, where they can take crystal-clear pictures of distant stars and galaxies."
"How do scientists fix it if something breaks?" Tim wondered.
"Sometimes astronauts have to go on special repair missions," Alex answered. "They wear their spacesuits and float in space while making repairs. It's like doing a puzzle while swimming, except in space!"
Comprehension quiz (4 questions)
1. What shape was the space telescope?
2. Why are space telescopes put above Earth's atmosphere?
3. How do astronauts fix the space telescope?
4. What did Alex compare repairing the telescope to?
Common Core standards for The Space Telescope
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first- and third-person narrations.
Perfect for the way you teach
- Build comprehension skills
- Auto-graded quiz
- Differentiated reading
- Read together at home
- Improve fluency
- Quiet reading time
- Reading curriculum support
- Independent practice
- Track Lexile growth
