Intermediate

©(9NOIRLab)/NSF/AURA/R. Proctor via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you discovered a strange object in space, what would you name it? Why do you think scientists want to study objects in space like asteroids? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spot /spot/ [verb] – to see or notice something, especially something that is not easy to see The hiker spotted a rare bird sitting quietly in the tree. asteroid belt /AS-tuh-roid belt/ [noun] – the area in space between Mars and Jupiter where many asteroids are found Scientists believe the spacecraft passed through part of…
Read more

©João Zilhão via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the role of genetics in human evolution? What are some challenges scientists might face when using genetics to study ancient remains? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. skeleton /SKEL-i-tn/ [noun] – the structure of bones that supports the body of a person or animal The archaeologist discovered a well-preserved skeleton of an ancient animal. proportion /pruh-PAWR-shuhn/ [noun] – the size or amount of one thing compared to another The artist studied the proportions of the human body for her painting. characteristic /kar-ik-tuh-RIS-tik/…
Read more

©Takumi Tsutaya via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a fossil, and how are they important to understanding human history? How do scientists use fossils to learn about ancient species? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fossil /FOS-uhl/ [noun] – the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock The scientist found a fossil of an ancient dinosaur during the excavation. suggest /suhg-JEST/ [verb] – to mention or propose something for consideration or action The guide suggested a new route for the hiking…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about lunar exploration programs like NASA’s Artemis mission? Why is it important about exploring the far side of the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sample /SAM-puhl/ [noun] – a small part or quantity of something intended to show what the whole is like Scientists collected samples of soil from the moon. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or topmost layer of something The moon’s surface is covered in dust. difference /DIF-er-uhns/ [noun] – a point or way in which things are not the same There…
Read more

©(Forrest Collman/Allen Institute via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of things do you imagine scientists study about the brain? If you could explore any part of your body like a scientist, which part would you choose? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – having many details; precise and thorough She wrote a detailed report about the wildlife in the rainforest. neuron /NOOR-on/ [noun] – a cell that carries information between the brain and other parts of the body The researchers studied how neurons respond when humans listen to music….
Read more

©(Colossal Biosciences via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it would feel like to see a real wolf up close? How do you feel when you hear about animals going extinct? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fossil /FOS-uhl/ [noun] – the preserved remains or traces of ancient animals, plants, or other organisms Scientists discovered fossils of a giant sea turtle in a cave in Mexico. embryo /EM-bree-oh/ [noun] – an early stage of development in animals or humans before birth Doctors monitored the growth of mouse embryos in a special container….
Read more

©NSF’s NoirLab via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of any forces in the universe that might change over time? What do you know about dark energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of increasing in size, number, or importance The expansion of the city has led to more jobs. raise /reyz/ [verb] – to bring up or cause something to be discussed or considered The new evidence has raised concerns about the safety of the building. weaken /WEE-kuhn/ [verb] – to make something weaker or less…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is it important in taking care of animals in zoos? What do you know about endangered species? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. history /HIS-tuh-ree/ [noun] – the study of past events, especially in human affairs We learn about history in school to understand the past. offspring /AWF-spring/ [noun] – a child or young of a particular parent or animal The lion’s offspring were playing near the zoo entrance. valuable /VAL-yoo-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – worth a lot of money or important This painting is valuable because it is very old. additional…
Read more