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Transportation and Climate Change — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage for grades 6-8 explores the vital role that transportation plays in climate change. Students will learn how vehicles like cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and increase the Earth's temperature. The passage introduces key concepts such as fossil fuels, carbon dioxide, and global warming, with vocabulary highlighted for easy understanding. Real-world examples show how transportation affects our planet and what we can do to help. The content aligns with NGSS standards and encourages critical thinking through quizzes and writing activities. Audio integration supports diverse learners. This resource is perfect for science classrooms looking for accessible, standards-based content on environmental science, climate change, and human impact.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Car emits CO₂, CH₄, N₂O gases; Earth’s greenhouse effect; cleaner EV and fuel-efficient alternatives — Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases

Transportation is how people and goods move from one place to another. This includes cars, trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, and ships. While transportation is important for our daily lives, it also affects our planet’s climate.

Most vehicles use fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel to run their engines. Fossil fuels are made from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried underground for millions of years. When these fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the air.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This is called the greenhouse effect. Without some greenhouse gases, our planet would be too cold for life. However, too many greenhouse gases make the Earth warmer, leading to global warming and climate change.

Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases. Cars and trucks are the main contributors because there are so many on the roads. Airplanes and ships also release large amounts of CO₂ over long distances. For example, a single airplane flight across the ocean can produce as much CO₂ as some people do in an entire year.

There are ways to reduce the impact of transportation on climate change. One way is to use public transportation like buses and trains, which can carry many people at once. Riding a bike or walking for short trips also helps. Some vehicles use electricity instead of fossil fuels. Electric cars and buses do not produce CO₂ from their engines. If the electricity comes from renewable energy sources like solar or wind, it is even better for the environment.

Governments and companies are working on new technologies to make transportation cleaner. For example, some cities have electric buses, and some airplanes are being designed to use less fuel. People can also help by carpooling, planning trips to use less fuel, and supporting clean transportation choices.

Interesting Fact: The transportation sector produces about one-fourth of all greenhouse gas emissions from human activities worldwide!

What do most vehicles use for fuel?

Fossil fuelsSolar powerWind energyWater

What is released when fossil fuels burn?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHydrogen

Which transport causes most emissions?

Cars and trucksBicyclesSubmarinesTractors

Why are greenhouse gases important?

They trap heatThey make rainThey cool EarthThey block sunlight

What is one way to reduce emissions?

Use public transportDrive moreBurn more fuelUse bigger cars

What happens if greenhouse gases increase?