Readability:  About 6th

Possible hard words: Proper names: Maggie Brueggen, Marissa High School, Sue Giesicke, Archdiocese, coordinator, Mike Flachs, Matthew Schultz, Audubon Society, Keith Bennett  Other words: decomposition, deteriorated, collaboration, decompose, meteorology

BEFORE READING: Tell the young reader that this article is about kids and their science projects and that it has some technical words in it.  Ask him or her to read the words from the possible hard words list.  If the child misses four or fewer words, give him or her the choice of reading the article silently or reading it aloud to you.  Tell them either way you will help them with any words if they ask.  If the child misses five or more words, you offer to read the article aloud and discuss it afterward with him or her.

DURING READING: If the child is reading silently, simply supply words when asked.  If the child is reading aloud, supply words immediately when there is a pause or a mispronunciation of a word.  Always be willing to answer questions about the meaning of a word or a phrase, but keep answers short so that the flow of ideas is not significantly interrupted.

AFTER READING: Use questions similar to the following to guide discussion or to check on comprehension. 

1. What is meant by deterioration or by decomposition?  Why do you think it is important to know about these things?
2. How might decomposition in space differ from that on earth?  Do you think we really know? Why?
3. How does mapping come into play when doing these experiments?
4. How does this project help kids in making career choices?
5. Do you think you might be interested in a career in science or technology?  What, specifically?