Mars, Glaciers, & Antarctica: Reading Comprehension Passages (PDF)

Mars, Glaciers, & Antarctica: Reading Comprehension Passages (PDF)

This engaging collection of science reading passages about Mars, Glaciers, & Antarctica (Earth and Space Environments) is designed to bridge the gap between science and literacy through strengthening reading comprehension and sparking scientific curiosity in middle school students. Each passage blends English Language Arts skills with accurate science content that supports NGSS classroom practice. Ideal for interdisciplinary learning in ELA and Science. Suitable for Grade 9 review, too!

What Is Included?

There are (3) informational passages:

1. Antarctica: Science at the End of the Earth
   Explore a protected polar laboratory where clear air, ancient ice, and unique wildlife let scientists study climate change, ocean circulation, and even space signals with high precision.

2. From Earth to Mars: What Life Would Require
   Contrast Earth and Mars, then outline what settlers would need: breathable air, liquid water, radiation shielding, steady energy, food production, and closed-loop systems for waste and resources.

3. Ice Age Leftovers: From Glaciers to Sea Ice
   Differentiate glaciers, ice shelves, sea ice, and icebergs, and see how they shape coasts, reflect sunlight, steer ocean temperatures, and preserve clues to past climates.

Student Tasks for Each Passage:

• 5 multiple-choice questions targeting main idea, key details, inference, vocabulary in context, and use of evidence

• 5 vocabulary matching items with clear, student-friendly definitions

• 5 text-based questions that require citing specific lines or facts

• 1 summary prompt that asks students to condense central ideas accurately

• Full answer key for every section

Available Formats for this Resource

• PDF

• Word Docs

• Google Docs

FULL CATALOG OF DOWNLOADING LINKS HERE

Reading Passage Links:

Astronomy & Space Science

• PDF

• Word Docs

• Google Docs

Volcanoes, Rocks, & Mountains

• PDF

• Word Docs

• Google Docs

Rock Cycle, Soil, & Sinkholes

• PDF

• Word Docs

• Google Docs

Mars, Glaciers, & Antarctica

• PDF

• Word Docs

• Google Docs

Product Details

• Length: 15 pages total

• Grades: 6–8, also suitable for Grade 9 review

• Use cases: close reading, stations, homework, intervention, test prep, and sub plans

• Standards support: reinforces informational-text skills and supports NGSS-style sense making through observation, modeling, and clear use of claim, evidence, and reasoning

Why Teachers Choose This Set

• Authentic science content paired with rigorous literacy practice

• Consistent task structure across all passages for easier planning and smoother student routines

• Clear, age-appropriate writing that builds confidence without oversimplifying

Use this set to reinforce ELA skills in science, to add literacy to your lessons, or to support independent work. The passages strengthen main idea, evidence use, vocabulary in context, inference, cause and effect, and summary writing. With ready-to-use assessments and complete answer keys, you can provide focused practice that is simple to run and fast to review.