¹     "It is a lot warmer this year." That is being said all over the United States. Why? Scientists say it is because of global warming. Global warming means that our Earth is getting warmer. A warmer Earth affects how much rain falls. It makes the water in the seas and oceans higher. It affects plants, animals, and people. The things that people do make our Earth warmer. In some places warmer weather is not bad. In other places it is a problem.
 
²     The Greenhouse Effect helps keep our Earth warm. It keeps certain gases in the air. These gases do not go into space. These gases help keep our Earth warm enough for us to live. The Greenhouse Effect is becoming stronger. There are more gases in the air. Our Earth is becoming warmer.
 
³     Some scientists say that the things people do send greenhouse gases into the air. Many machines were invented over 200 years ago. These machines make peoples lives easier. They also send gases into the air. Energy runs machines. We need energy to drive cars. We need energy for light and heat. The energy comes from burning coal and oil. This sends greenhouse gases into the air.

Paragraphs 4 to 8:
For the complete story with questions: click here for printable