Deep Sea Quest Worksheet
Part 1: Reading Comprehension
Deep Sea Quest
Name:
Date: Period:
Mission: Read the passage below. Identify the main idea and locate three supporting details from the text.
Journey into the Midnight Zone
Informational Text
[1] Descending thousands of meters beneath the ocean surface is one of the most demanding challenges in modern science. Deep-sea submersibles are specially engineered submarines designed to survive brutal ocean depths where sunlight vanishes completely at \(1{,}000\) meters and water temperatures hover near freezing.
[2] In addition to intense cold, deep ocean water exerts crushing pressure over \(1{,}000\) times greater than at sea level. Standard ships would immediately collapse, but submersibles protect scientists using thick titanium hulls and buoyant syntactic foam that resist immense compression.
[3] Thanks to these rugged vessels, researchers discover glowing bioluminescent animals, map underwater volcanoes, and collect mineral samples. These remarkable machines allow humanity to explore and understand Earth's deepest frontiers.
1
Identify the Central Main Idea
Which statement best expresses the main idea of the entire reading passage?
A Sunlight disappears at 1,000 meters in the ocean.
B Submersibles are specially built to survive extreme depths so scientists can explore the deep sea.
C Crushing water pressure is dangerous for standard metal containers.
D Glowing creatures live near deep sea volcanoes.
2
Supporting Details: Evidence from the Text
Write facts found directly in the passage
Detail 1: Ocean Conditions
What harsh obstacles exist?
Detail 2: Vessel Construction
How are submersibles protected?
Detail 3: Discoveries
What can scientists find or study?
Part 1 Complete: Turn page over for Part 2 (Integer Operations) Page 1 of 2
Part 2: Mathematics Drill
Ocean Trench Integers
Skills: All 4 Operations (+, −, ×, ÷)
Quick Reference Anchor: Integer Rules
Addition & Subtraction
- Same Signs: Add values, keep sign \((-3 + -4 = -7)\).
- Different Signs: Subtract, keep larger sign \((-8 + 5 = -3)\).
- Subtraction: Add the opposite: \(a - b = a + (-b)\).
Multiplication & Division
- Same Signs: Product/quotient is Positive (+).
- Different Signs: Product/quotient is Negative (−).
- Examples: \((-6) \times (-4) = 24\) • \((-15) \div 3 = -5\).
A Core Integer Fluency (All 4 Operations)
Show work & write final answer
#1. Addition
\(-14 + 9 =\)
Ans:
#2. Addition
\(-8 + (-17) =\)
Ans:
#3. Subtraction
\(6 - 15 =\)
Ans:
#4. Subtraction
\(-5 - (-11) =\)
Ans:
#5. Multiply
\(-7 \times 6 =\)
Ans:
#6. Multiply
\(-9 \times (-5) =\)
Ans:
#7. Division
\(-48 \div 8 =\)
Ans:
#8. Division
\(-54 \div (-6) =\)
Ans:
B Deep-Sea Submersible Word Problems
Problem 9: Depth Change Elevation
A research submersible starts at a depth of \(-650\) meters below sea level. It then ascends (climbs upward) by \(280\) meters. What is the submersible's new depth?
Write your integer expression and show work:
Final Depth:
Problem 10: Dive Rate Rate of Change
The exploration craft descends at a constant rate of \(-45\) meters per minute. What integer represents the total change in depth after \(6\) minutes of continuous diving?
Write your integer expression and show work:
Total Change:
Review your signs carefully before turning in your work! Page 2 of 2
Deep Sea Quest Key
Teacher & Substitute Key • Part 1
Deep Sea Quest Answer Key
Sub Day Resource Guide
Sub Day Resource Facilitation Notes (Grade 7 Resource Room):
Suggested Pacing: 20–25 minutes for Part 1. You may read the passage aloud as a group or have students buddy-read. For students with reading accommodations, remind them that paragraph numbers [1], [2], and [3] correlate directly with the three detail boxes.
1
Question 1 Solution: Central Main Idea
Correct Answer: Option B
Correct Answer: B — “Submersibles are specially built to survive extreme depths so scientists can explore the deep sea.”
Why B is correct: It summarizes the entire passage—addressing both the engineering design (to withstand brutal cold and pressure) and the scientific discovery purpose.
Distractor Analysis:
- A & C: Single minor details from [1] and [2].
- D: Inaccurate extreme (“the only things”).
2
Question 2 Exemplar Responses & Scoring Rubric
Full Credit: 1 fact per box (3 pts total)
Detail 1: Ocean Conditions (from Paragraph [1] & [2]) 1 Point
Acceptable Student Responses: Sunlight vanishes completely at \(1{,}000\)m; freezing temperatures (\(1^\circ\text{C}\) to \(4^\circ\text{C}\)); crushing water pressure is over \(1{,}000\) times sea level pressure.
Key Criteria: Student mentions lack of sunlight, freezing temperatures, or extreme water pressure.
Detail 2: Vessel Construction (from Paragraph [2]) 1 Point
Acceptable Student Responses: Built with ultra-thick titanium spheres/hulls; uses specialized syntactic foam that resists crushing/compression; specially engineered submarines.
Key Criteria: Student identifies titanium walls or syntactic foam engineered to avoid cracking.
Detail 3: Discoveries (from Paragraph [3]) 1 Point
Acceptable Student Responses: Robotic arms collect rare rock/mineral samples; cameras film glowing bioluminescent creatures; sensors record volcanic vent heat.
Key Criteria: Student identifies rocks/minerals, bioluminescent creatures, or hydrothermal vents.
Part 1 Reading Rubric Total: 4 Points (1 pt MC + 3 pts Details) Page 1 of 2
Teacher & Substitute Key • Part 2
Integer Operations Key & Solutions
Section A & B: Complete Step-by-Step
A Fluency Drills Solutions (1 pt each = 8 pts)
