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Level: A1

The Science Fair

Diego builds a volcano for the science fair. Will it work?

CEFR A1 · 153 words · ~1 min read · US English

๐Ÿ”Š Listen to this passage

๐Ÿ“– Open in interactive ESL Reader โ†’

In the reader, tap any word or sentence to hear it in English, translate it, or look up a definition.

Words to know

volcano
a mountain that can send out fire, smoke, and hot rock
vinegar
a sour liquid that people use in cooking
glue
a thick liquid used to make things stick together
foam
many small soft bubbles together, like soap in water
lava
hot melted rock that comes out of a volcano
judges
people who decide who wins in a show or game
ribbon
a long thin piece of colored cloth given as a prize
robot
a machine that can move and work by itself

Next Friday is the science fair at Diegoโ€™s school. Every student must make a project. Diego wants to make a volcano.

His mom helps him buy the things: a bottle, brown and red paint, red food coloring, baking soda, and vinegar. Diego builds a mountain around the bottle with paper and glue. He paints it brown and red.

On Thursday night, Diego tests it. He puts baking soda in the bottle. Then he adds the vinegar. Whoosh! Red foam runs down the mountain like real lava.

โ€œIt works!โ€ Diego shouts.

At the science fair, many people stop at Diegoโ€™s table. He does his show again and again. The little kids love it. They shout, โ€œAgain! Again!โ€

At the end of the day, the judges give Diego a blue ribbon. It says: Best Show.

Diegoโ€™s mom takes a photo of him with his mountain.

โ€œNext year,โ€ Diego says, โ€œI want to make a robot.โ€

Check your understanding

  1. What does Diego make for the science fair?

    Show answer

    A volcano โ€” Diego wants to make a volcano.

  2. What does Diego add to the baking soda?

    Show answer

    The vinegar โ€” He puts baking soda in the bottle. Then he adds the vinegar. Whoosh!

  3. What prize do the judges give Diego?

    Show answer

    A blue ribbon โ€” The judges give Diego a blue ribbon. It says: Best Show.

  4. Diego wants to make a robot next year.

    Show answer

    True โ€” Diego says, 'Next year, I want to make a robot.'

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