Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.
What's included
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)
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

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?
2. How does warmer water affect corals?
3. What does acidic water do to corals?
4. How does climate change affect storms near the reef?
5. What problem does rising sea levels cause for corals?
6. According to the passage, why is the reef ecosystem at risk?
Common Core standards for Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
Perfect for the way you teach
- Build comprehension skills
- Auto-graded quiz
- Differentiated reading
- Read together at home
- Improve fluency
- Quiet reading time
- Reading curriculum support
- Independent practice
- Track Lexile growth


