©Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when you think about archaeologists and their work?
- What specific archaeological discoveries or ancient sites have you read or heard about recently?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- skeleton /SKEL-i-tn/
- detailed /dih-TEYLD/
- era /EER-uh/
- deliberate /dih-LIB-er-it/
- steel /steel/
[noun] – the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body
The archaeologists carefully excavated the ancient skeleton to study its structure.
[adjective] – giving a lot of information with many details
The report provided a detailed analysis of market trends.
[noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical
The Renaissance era was known for its flourishing art and culture.
[adjective] – intentional, purposeful, or done consciously
Her deliberate choice of words during the presentation showed that she had carefully considered how to convey her message effectively.
[noun] – a strong metal that is a mixture of iron and carbon, used for making things that need a strong structure, especially vehicles and buildings
The construction workers reinforced the building’s framework with steel beams.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Archaeologists in Germany have recently uncovered an ancient skeleton with a metal hand replacement, offering a captivating window into history. Estimated to have lived between the 15th and 17th centuries, this discovery showcases a nearly six-century-old prosthetic hand.
This remarkable find highlights the detailed craftsmanship of that time. The hand was crafted from a mix of iron and other metals, replacing four missing fingers on the left hand. Each replicated finger, carefully shaped from metal sheets, lay side by side, revealing the innovative solutions of the era. Traces of fabric and leather stuck to the fingers suggest deliberate efforts to provide comfort and protection. The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) led to a surge in amputations and the demand for prosthetic limbs in a region affected by historical conflicts. This revelation deepens our understanding of early medical advancements, especially in aiding individuals with limb challenges. It sheds light on the efforts of societies in that era to improve the lives of those facing physical difficulties. This discovery prompts reflection on the impressive progress of prosthetic technology, highlighting how modern advances have transformed the lives of individuals with limb differences. Today, prosthetic limbs are made from light materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and stainless steel, using advanced techniques like 3D printing and digital design tools. These modern wonders, operated through intricate signals from the nervous system, stand as a testament to human creativity and empathy for those in need.
This remarkable find highlights the detailed craftsmanship of that time. The hand was crafted from a mix of iron and other metals, replacing four missing fingers on the left hand. Each replicated finger, carefully shaped from metal sheets, lay side by side, revealing the innovative solutions of the era. Traces of fabric and leather stuck to the fingers suggest deliberate efforts to provide comfort and protection. The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) led to a surge in amputations and the demand for prosthetic limbs in a region affected by historical conflicts. This revelation deepens our understanding of early medical advancements, especially in aiding individuals with limb challenges. It sheds light on the efforts of societies in that era to improve the lives of those facing physical difficulties. This discovery prompts reflection on the impressive progress of prosthetic technology, highlighting how modern advances have transformed the lives of individuals with limb differences. Today, prosthetic limbs are made from light materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and stainless steel, using advanced techniques like 3D printing and digital design tools. These modern wonders, operated through intricate signals from the nervous system, stand as a testament to human creativity and empathy for those in need.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did archaeologists in Germany recently uncover, and what makes it significant?
- When is it estimated that the person with the metal hand replacement lived?
- What was the metal hand replacement made of, and what was its purpose?
- How many fingers were replaced by the prosthetic hand, and how were they replicated?
- What can be inferred from the traces of fabric and leather found on the fingers of the prosthetic hand?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen old objects or displays that showed ancient medical tools or inventions? If yes, how did it change how you think about what people in the past could do in medicine? If not, would you like to see these kinds of displays in the future?
- In your opinion, why do you think finding an ancient prosthetic hand might inspire people who face physical challenges today? Can you think of any modern examples or inventions that are like the creative thinking behind this old prosthetic hand?
- Do you think the discovery of the old metal prosthetic hand is really interesting and shows how clever people were back then?
- How does finding this old metal prosthetic hand add to what we know about how smart early doctors were and how hard they tried to help people with limb problems back then?
- How do you think learning about ancient civilizations and archaeological topics can give us important ideas about our society today and influence what comes next?