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Reading Passage

Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Grades 2–4ElaReadingScienceClimate changeEnglish · SpanishInteractive · Printable
Aligned toRI.3.2RI.4.2

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Reading passage
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Comprehension quiz
Writing activity
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Spanish translation

Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef preview and details

About this printable Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 2-4)

This passage explores the profound impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef. It details how rising ocean temperatures stress corals, potentially leading to their death. The text explains the process of ocean acidification and its effect on coral skeleton formation. It also discusses how climate change intensifies storms and raises sea levels, further threatening the reef ecosystem. The passage emphasizes the rapid pace of these changes, highlighting the challenges faced by marine life in adapting to new conditions. Keywords: climate change, coral reef, ocean warming, acidification, sea level rise, marine ecosystem, extreme weather, coral stress, environmental adaptation, Great Barrier Reef conservation.
Written by Neha Goel TripathiPublished by Workybooks
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Sample passage and quiz from Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef

Reading passage and comprehension quiz preview

Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef

QZ.3.RI.3.2-13

Climate change is having a big impact on the Great Barrier Reef. As the Earth gets warmer, so do the oceans. Corals like to live in water that's not too hot or too cold. When the water gets too warm, it stresses the corals. This can make them sick or even die. Rising temperatures also cause the water to become more acidic, which makes it harder for corals to build their skeletons. Another problem is that warmer water often leads to stronger storms. These storms can damage the delicate coral structures. Climate change is also causing sea levels to rise, which can affect how much light reaches the corals. All these changes are happening faster than many marine animals can adapt, putting the whole reef ecosystem at risk.

Comprehension quiz (6 questions)

1. What is the main way climate change affects the Great Barrier Reef?

By making the water too cold
By making the water too warm
By making the water too salty
By making the water too shallow

2. How does warmer water affect corals?

It helps them grow faster
It makes them change color
It stresses them and can make them sick or die
It makes them produce more food

3. What does acidic water do to corals?

It helps them build stronger skeletons
It makes it harder for them to build skeletons
It makes them grow larger
It helps them resist diseases

4. How does climate change affect storms near the reef?

It makes storms weaker
It makes storms stronger
It stops storms from happening
It makes storms last longer

5. What problem does rising sea levels cause for corals?

It affects how much light reaches the corals
It makes the water too deep for corals to survive
It brings more food to the corals
It protects corals from storms

6. According to the passage, why is the reef ecosystem at risk?

Because of overfishing
Because of pollution from cities
Because changes are happening faster than animals can adapt
Because of underwater earthquakes
Curriculum

Common Core standards for Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef

RI.3.2

Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.

RI.4.2

Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.

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