Science and Social Studies Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions

Bring nonfiction reading to life with this comprehensive set of 18 engaging 3rd grade reading passages and comprehension questions! Each passage is thoughtfully written to align with the 2024 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) while remaining fully compatible with Common Core and TEKS standards, making this resource ideal for classrooms across the United States.

These nonfiction science and social studies passages are designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the world while helping students master essential ELA reading comprehension skills. Every passage is accompanied by five thought-provoking questions that encourage students to find text evidence, think critically, and make meaningful connections to content knowledge.

Versatile and Teacher-Friendly Formats

Whether you prefer printable worksheets or digital Google Slides, this resource gives you the flexibility you need for whole-group lessons, small-group instruction, independent reading, or test prep. Each passage is available in three printable formats:

1. Passage and questions on two pages

2. Passage and questions on separate full pages

3. Single-page version for quick comprehension checks or homework assignments

The Google Slides version of each passage makes it simple to assign and review work digitally, allowing for seamless integration into your classroom routines and learning management systems.

Explore Engaging Science and Social Studies Topics

Your students will journey through time and across the globe as they explore fascinating nonfiction topics that connect directly to 3rd-grade science and social studies standards.

Social Studies Reading Passages Include:

• Roman Roads – Problem/Solution

• Invention of the Calendar – Description

• Growth of Ancient Rome – Chronological Order

• Ancient Egypt: Growing Food in the Desert – Cause/Effect

• Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome? – Compare/Contrast

• A History of Egypt – Chronological Order

• The Kingdom of Mali – Cause/Effect

• Contributions of Ancient China – Description

• Ancient Egypt on the Move – Sequence

• How Silk is Made – Sequence

Science Reading Passages Include:

• Is the Tundra a Desert? – Compare/Contrast

• What’s the Deal with Mosquitoes? – Problem/Solution

• The Water Cycle – Sequence

• How Did You Know to Do That? – Compare/Contrast

• Save the Water – Problem/Solution

• The Six Simple Machines – Text Features

• Force and Motion Glossary – Text Features

• Force in Golf and Baseball – Description

Purposeful Skill Development

Each passage is intentionally structured to help students practice and recognize different nonfiction text structures, including cause and effect, problem and solution, chronological order, description, compare and contrast, and sequence. These patterns build strong comprehension strategies and align directly with 3rd grade reading informational standards.

In addition to content learning, students will practice identifying main idea and details, using text features, and understanding vocabulary in context—all key components of standardized test success.

Standards Alignment

This resource is aligned with:

• Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) Grade 3 Reading 2024

• Common Core State Standards (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.1–RI.3.5)

• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Why Teachers Love It

Teachers appreciate the blend of rigorous comprehension questions, engaging topics, and flexible formats. Whether students are exploring Ancient Egypt, understanding forces in sports, or asking why mosquitoes exist, they’re practicing the literacy skills that make them stronger, more confident readers.

Bring relevance, curiosity, and structure to your nonfiction instruction with these standards-aligned 3rd grade reading passages for science and social studies!