Reading in Science: Properties of Nonmetals

Six short science passages on the physical properties of nonmetals, each targeting a different reading-comprehension skill. The set builds from what a nonmetal is, through the properties that set nonmetals apart - dull and brittle, poor conductors (insulators), and many being gases - to everyday uses and, finally, classifying an element as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid. It is the reading anchor for a TEKS 6.6C nonmetals unit.

What's Included

• 6 illustrated passage cards, each with a labeled reading skill and comprehension questions:
• 1 - What Is a Nonmetal? (main idea) · 2 - Dull and Brittle (supporting details) · 3 - Poor Conductors (cause & effect) · 4 - Many Are Gases (compare & contrast) · 5 - Nonmetals in Everyday Life (inference) · 6 - Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? (draw conclusions)
• Full answer key with explanations
• 4-page letter-size PDF, no prep

How It Helps You Teach

• Frames nonmetals against the standard's properties - dull luster, poor conductivity, and brittleness (the opposite of malleable)
• Builds RI.6.1-6.4 reading skills: main idea, details, cause/effect, compare/contrast, inference, and drawing conclusions
• 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 Nonmetals set, alongside Context Clues, Inferences, the Nonmetal or Metal 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: nonmetals, luster, conductivity, insulators, brittleness, gases, 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.