Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is the purpose of a moon in space? Can you think of any specific ways that Earth’s moon affects our planet?
- Can you name some planets that have moons?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- scheduled /SKEH-joold/
- instrument /IN-struh-muhnt/
- protect /pruh-TEKT/
- thermal /THUR-muhl/
- controlled /kuhn-TROHLD/
[adjective] – arranged for a particular time
The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday at 10 AM.
[noun] – a tool or device used for a specific purpose, especially in science or music
The doctor used a special instrument to check my heartbeat.
[verb] – to keep someone or something safe from harm or danger
Parents always protect their children from dangerous situations.
[adjective] – relating to heat
The thermal blanket kept me warm on the cold night.
[adjective] – managed or regulated; not allowing uncontrolled actions
The experiment must be conducted in a controlled environment for accurate results.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
NASA is set to launch the Europa Clipper spacecraft, a crucial mission to investigate Europa, one of Jupiter’s largest moons. Scheduled for launch in October from Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, this $5.2 billion mission will take approximately five and a half years to reach Europa. This moon, nearly the size of Earth’s moon, is covered by a thick ice sheet believed to be up to 24 kilometers deep. Beneath this icy surface, scientists suspect there is an ocean that could be more than 120 kilometers deep. The primary objective of the Europa Clipper mission is to evaluate whether the conditions on Europa could potentially support life. Although the mission is not designed to search for life directly, the findings may lead to further studies in the future.
The Europa Clipper will carry nine advanced scientific instruments to conduct comprehensive research. The spacecraft will orbit Jupiter and perform 49 flybys of Europa, coming within 25 kilometers of its surface. Due to the intense radiation levels in Europa’s orbit, the spacecraft’s electronics will be protected in a specially designed vault made of thick aluminum and zinc. This mission will also investigate whether thermal vents on the ocean floor could supply the energy needed for life. The mission is expected to conclude in 2034, ending with a controlled crash into Ganymede, another of Jupiter’s moons, ensuring the success of this remarkable endeavor.
The Europa Clipper will carry nine advanced scientific instruments to conduct comprehensive research. The spacecraft will orbit Jupiter and perform 49 flybys of Europa, coming within 25 kilometers of its surface. Due to the intense radiation levels in Europa’s orbit, the spacecraft’s electronics will be protected in a specially designed vault made of thick aluminum and zinc. This mission will also investigate whether thermal vents on the ocean floor could supply the energy needed for life. The mission is expected to conclude in 2034, ending with a controlled crash into Ganymede, another of Jupiter’s moons, ensuring the success of this remarkable endeavor.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the primary purpose of the Europa Clipper mission?
- Where is the Europa Clipper spacecraft scheduled to launch from?
- What type of rocket will be used for the launch of the Europa Clipper?
- How long will it take the Europa Clipper to reach Europa?
- What is believed to be beneath the thick ice sheet covering Europa?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a space launch or a documentary about space exploration? If so, what did you find most exciting? If not, what aspect of space exploration interests you the most?
- Do you have any personal experiences with scientific experiments or projects? If so, how did it impact your understanding of science? If not, what type of scientific project would you like to try?
- Do you agree that protecting the spacecraft’s electronics from radiation is crucial for the mission’s success?
- What are some potential challenges that scientists might face when investigating moons like Europa, and how could they overcome them?
- Considering the budget of the Europa Clipper mission, how should governments prioritize funding for space exploration versus other pressing issues on Earth? What are your thoughts?