Why Do Lights Turn On With a Switch — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-PS3-2

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This 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to the fundamental concept of how switches control electrical circuits. Aligned with NGSS standards PS3.A and PS3.B, the passage explains that a switch controls whether a circuit is open or closed, determining if electrical current can flow. Students learn that when a switch is off, there is a gap in the circuit preventing current flow, keeping the light dark. When the switch is flipped on, it closes the gap, completing the circuit so current flows through the wire to the bulb, converting electrical energy into light. The passage emphasizes that switches do not create energy but simply control the path for energy to flow. Written at a Grade 4 reading level with age-appropriate vocabulary and real-world examples, this passage includes audio integration for accessibility. The content builds foundational understanding through simple explanations, bolded key terms with immediate definitions, and a concrete analogy comparing circuits to water flowing through a hose. Supplementary activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to reinforce learning about energy transfer and circuit components.

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