Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think about space and planets?
- How would you feel if an asteroid came close to Earth? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- impact /IM-pakt/
[noun] – the force or action of one object hitting another
The impact changed the asteroid’s path. - orbit /OR-bit/
[noun] – the curved path of an object around another object
The moon follows an orbit around Earth. - reduce /ri-DOOS/
[verb] – to make something smaller or less
Scientists want to reduce the risk of danger. - debris /duh-BREE/
[noun] – small pieces left after something is destroyed
Debris floated in space after the crash. - mission /MISH-uhn/
[noun] – an important task given to a person or group
The team completed the mission successfully.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Scientists said on March 6, 2026 that a NASA test changed the path of an asteroid, showing how space technology can help protect Earth. The experiment used a spacecraft to hit a small asteroid named Dimorphos in 2022. This impact slightly changed the asteroid’s orbit around a larger asteroid called Didymos. The goal of the test was to see if scientists could change the direction of a space object before it becomes dangerous. Experts explained that even small changes can help reduce the chance of an asteroid hitting Earth in the future.
After the collision, scientists studied the results using data from telescopes around the world. They found that flying debris from the crash made the effect stronger than expected. This discovery helped improve understanding of how such actions can protect the planet. The project was part of a larger space mission focused on planetary defense. Another spacecraft from Europe is expected to arrive soon to study the area more closely and gather more information.
After the collision, scientists studied the results using data from telescopes around the world. They found that flying debris from the crash made the effect stronger than expected. This discovery helped improve understanding of how such actions can protect the planet. The project was part of a larger space mission focused on planetary defense. Another spacecraft from Europe is expected to arrive soon to study the area more closely and gather more information.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did NASA test in space?
- What is the name of the asteroid that was hit?
- What happened to the asteroid after the impact?
- Why was the experiment important?
- What made the effect stronger than expected?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever read about space missions? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you like to read more?
- Have you ever watched a video about asteroids? If so, what was interesting? If not, would you watch one?
- Do you agree that humans should try to change asteroid paths?
- What do you think about spending money on space research?
- How could this experiment help people in the future?