Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Experts predict more years of record heat and dangerous weather

Brix-News (22)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have hot summers made daily life hard in your town? If so, what problems did it cause? If not, why do you think it did not? Have you ever heard about climate change on the news or in school? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you like to learn more? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dangerous /DEYN-jer-uhs/ [adjective] – a dangerous person, animal, thing, or activity could harm someone Driving in heavy rain is very dangerous. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – very important for the way things will…
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Ancient DNA reveals unknown hunter-gatherer group in Colombia

Colombia

©(William Usaquen, Andrea Casas-Vargas via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think people traveled from one place to another a long time ago? If you could travel back in time, what question would you ask an ancient person? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. plateau /pla-TOH/ [noun] – a large flat area of land that is high above sea level The animals live on the high plateaus in the mountains. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – something that is found for the first time The discovery of a new plant was very exciting for the…
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Avocado demand grows despite farm challenges in California

Brix-News (21)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a wildfire on TV or in real life? If so, what did you feel when you saw it? If not, what do you think it looks like? Do you know what an avocado tree looks like or where avocados grow? If so, where did you learn about it? If not, would you like to see one? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. destroy /dih-STROI/ [verb] – to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be used The strong wind destroyed the small shop…
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Dermatologists recommend sunscreen for all skin types

skin

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually do to protect your skin on a sunny day? If something is done, what is it? If not, why not? Have you ever used sunscreen before going outside? If so, when and why? If not, what do you use instead? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sunscreen /SUHN-skreen/ [noun] – a substance that you put on your skin to protect it from the sun I use sunscreen when I go to the beach. detect /dih-TEKT/ [verb] – to notice something that is not easy to see, hear,…
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Ancient whale bone tools reveal human innovation 20,000 years ago

ancient tool

©(Alexandre Lefebvre via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What would you like to learn about how people lived long ago? Do you think people a long time ago were smart or creative? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pointed /POIN-tid/ [adjective] – having a sharp end or tip The hunter carried a pointed stick for protection. survive /ser-VAHYV/ [verb] – to continue to live, especially after a dangerous situation The ship’s crew survived by using what they found on the island. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding something for the first time…
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NASA’s oldest full-time astronaut feels younger after space mission

Brix-News (18)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of an astronaut who went to space at an old age? If so, who was that astronaut? If not, what age do you think is too old for space travel? Do you know what happens to the body when it returns from space? If so, what kind of changes happen? If not, what do you think it feels like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. space /speys/ [noun] – the area outside the Earth where the stars and planets are The rocket went up into space last…
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West Virginia airport uses Border Collies to ensure flight safety

airportdogs

©(AP Photo/John Raby) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think could happen if birds or other animals go near airplanes? Do you think animals and people can work together in a team? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. handler /HAND-ler/ [noun] – a person who takes care of and controls animals The handler trained the guide dog to help people with vision problems. risk /risk/ [noun] – the chance that something bad or dangerous may happen There are risks when driving fast on a rainy road. strike /strahyk/ [noun] –…
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Nevada fish may gain protection due to habitat threats and drought

Brix-News (19)

©Nathan Hurner/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a fish that lives in only one place? If so, where did it live? If not, what do you think it eats? Do you know what happens when a species becomes endangered? If so, what can help the species? If not, what do you think people should do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a plan or idea for others to consider The teacher proposed a class trip to the…
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Florida swim school launches life-saving classes for children with autism

Brix-News (17)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen or joined a swimming class for children? If so, what activities did the children do? If not, what do you think they learn? Do you know anyone who learns things more slowly or in a different way? If so, how do teachers help that person? If not, what do you think would help? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – necessary or needed Water is essential for life. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics,…
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Experimental gene-editing therapy saves baby with rare disorder

gene-edit baby

©(Chloe Dawson/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could create a medicine to cure any illness, what illness would you choose? Why? Why do you think it’s important to try new ideas in science, even if they don’t always work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. experimental /ik-sper-uh-MEN-tl/ [adjective] – used for testing; not yet proven to work perfectly An experimental drug was tested on a small group of people. newborn /NOO-BAWRN/ [noun] – a baby that was born recently The hospital has a special room for newborns. transplant /TRANS-plant/…
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