Reading in Science: Properties of Metalloids

Six short science passages on metalloids - the in-between elements - each targeting a different reading-comprehension skill. The set builds from what a metalloid is, through its mix of metal and nonmetal properties and its key trait as a semiconductor, to silicon and the technology it powers, and finally to classifying an element as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid. It is the reading anchor for a TEKS 6.6C metalloids unit.

What's Included

• 6 illustrated passage cards, each with a labeled reading skill and comprehension questions:
• 1 - What Is a Metalloid? (main idea) · 2 - Some Metal, Some Nonmetal (compare & contrast) · 3 - Semiconductors (cause & effect) · 4 - Metalloids in Technology (inference) · 5 - Silicon: The Star Metalloid (supporting details) · 6 - Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? (draw conclusions)
• Full answer key with explanations
• 4-page letter-size PDF, no prep

How It Helps You Teach

• Explains the property that defines metalloids - semiconductivity - in plain, grade-appropriate language
• Connects the science to technology students use: silicon chips and solar panels
• Ends with a three-way classify card so students sort metals, nonmetals, and metalloids - the full 6.6C skill

Pair It With

The reading anchor of the Properties of Metalloids set, alongside Context Clues, Inferences, the Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid sort, and Science in the News. Check out our library for the full set.

Perfect for 6th grade physical science, science reading and reading comprehension practice, science literacy, a unit review, and TEKS 6.6C / NGSS MS-PS1-3 support. Topics include: metalloids, semiconductors, silicon, luster, conductivity, malleability, and classifying metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

Standards: TEKS 6.6C (classify metals, nonmetals, and metalloids by physical properties, including luster, conductivity, and malleability); NGSS MS-PS1-3; CCSS RI.6.1-6.4. Part of the Daily Science series by Workybooks.