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Understanding Greenhouse Effect? — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage for grades 6-8 introduces students to the greenhouse effect, a key concept in understanding Earth's climate system. Written according to NGSS standards, this resource explains how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, defines important vocabulary terms, and uses real-world examples to connect the phenomenon to daily life. Students will learn how human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect and how this can cause global warming. The passage includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, a multiple-choice quiz, and a writing activity that encourages critical thinking about cause and effect, scientific processes, and practical applications. Audio integration is included for accessibility. This is an excellent resource for teaching about climate change, atmospheric science, and environmental responsibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Earth showing greenhouse gases trapping heat and air pollution harming health and visibility.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps Earth warm enough to support life. It happens because certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the Sun. Without the greenhouse effect, our planet would be much colder, and many living things could not survive.

When energy from the Sun reaches Earth, some of it is absorbed by the land and oceans, warming our planet. The rest of the energy is reflected back into space. However, not all the heat escapes. Gases in the atmosphere, called greenhouse gases, absorb and trap some of this heat. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.

Greenhouse gases act like the glass walls of a real greenhouse. They let sunlight in but prevent some heat from leaving. This keeps Earth's temperature stable. The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, which is released when people burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane, are produced by animals, landfills, and rice fields.

Human activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. When we drive cars, use electricity from coal power plants, or cut down forests, we add more carbon dioxide to the air. This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect. Too many greenhouse gases can trap too much heat, causing Earth's average temperature to rise. This warming is known as global warming.

Global warming can cause many changes on Earth. It can melt glaciers, raise sea levels, and lead to more extreme weather, like storms, floods, and droughts. To help reduce the greenhouse effect, people can use renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, plant more trees, and save energy at home and school.

Interesting Fact: Venus, the second planet from the Sun, has a very strong greenhouse effect. Its thick atmosphere traps so much heat that its surface is hotter than any other planet in our solar system.

What does the greenhouse effect do?

Keeps Earth warm enough for lifeMakes the Sun hotterRemoves all heat from EarthCreates more oxygen in air

Which is a greenhouse gas?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHelium

What causes the enhanced greenhouse effect?

More greenhouse gases from humansLess sunlightCooler oceansFewer plants on Earth

How can people help reduce greenhouse gases?

Use renewable energyBurn more coalCut down treesDrive more cars

What happens if greenhouse gases increase?

Earth gets warmerEarth gets colderNo change to climateMore oxygen in air

Why is carbon dioxide important?

It traps heat in atmosphereIt cools the planetIt makes rainIt reflects sunlight