Energy Reading Comprehension Passages – Free Elementary Science Resource

Energy Reading Comprehension Passage and Questions

A free, print-and-go energy reading for grades 2–5: one accurate nonfiction passage, twelve mixed questions, a full answer key and a short teacher guide. No student logins, no accounts, no setup.

Get the free download on Teachers Pay Teachers

What this resource teaches

Energy and its effects, kinetic energy, stored energy, energy transfers and transformations, renewable and nonrenewable sources, and energy in systems.

What is included

  • Student pages (3 pages): a six-paragraph passage, a Science Words box and 12 questions, black-and-white friendly.
  • Answer key (1 page): answers, skill labels, the supporting paragraph for each answer and 18 total points.
  • Teacher guide (2 pages): learning goals, how to use it and a map from the passage to the free online adventure.

Key science words

energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, battery, transfer, transform, renewable, nonrenewable, system

How to use it in your classroom

  1. Preview the bold science words and ask students what they already know about energy.
  2. Read the passage aloud, partner-read it, or assign it for independent reading.
  3. Students answer the 12 questions using evidence from the text.
  4. Check with the answer key and send students back to the supporting paragraph for any missed question.

It works well for science centers, morning work, homework, early finishers, sub plans or review before the online adventure.

Play the free Energy adventure

Ready to turn this reading into exploration? Students can play the free online adventure that goes with this passage, with no login required.

Play the free Energy Excavation Adventure

The adventure follows Zingling through Powerpark and covers:

  • Energy & Observable Effects
  • Energy of Motion
  • Stored Energy
  • Energy Transfers & Transformations
  • Energy Sources & Choices
  • Energy in Systems

Turn this lesson into a hands-on science adventure

Want your class to dig for real? Ask about a Free Dig Kit for your classroom. Excavating Adventures will work to help fund real hands-on dig experiences for classrooms through our Free Dig Kit campaign. Kits are optional, are provided after full funding and school confirmation, and funding is not guaranteed.

Learn about Free Dig Kits

More free resources

Looking for a physical experience? Our paid Adventure Kits are available in the shop, but everything on this page is free.