How Solar Panels Work (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How could sunshine become power for a lamp? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 220 words in 5 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Next comes page 2: three multiple choice questions and two written responses. Before writing, students should find the evidence that supports their thinking. Check the work with the answer key.

How Solar Panels Work gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 220 words about how solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into electricity for a home, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2. An answer key is included.

How Solar Panels Work is a nonfiction passage of about 220 words about how solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into electricity for a home. It is written for 4th grade readers (ages 9-10) and has 5 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice vocabulary in context, key details, the main idea and the order of events. Questions include "Which detail shows that solar panels depend on the weather" and "Why might a home add a battery to its solar panels". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: How could sunshine become power for a lamp? Let students skim the title, then read once for the gist. A second pass with a pencil helps them mark the facts they need.

Expect about 20 minutes from first read to last answer. It suits homework, a sub plan or small group reading time, and the answer key makes it quick to check the main idea and vocabulary in context.