Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

NASA launches Spherex Space Telescope to map the sky and explore galaxies’ evolution

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about space telescopes? What do you think happens when a telescope is launched into space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to send something into the air or space, typically by force. The rocket will launch from the space center tomorrow. galaxy /gal-uhk-see/ [noun] – a large system of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity The Milky Way is a galaxy that contains our solar system. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] – to carefully examine or study something to find out more information…
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AI transforms vineyard management with smart technology

Ai_vinyard

©(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of jobs do you think robots or machines could do better than people? If you could invent a new machine for farmers, what special features would it have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. efficiency /ih-FISH-uhn-see/ [noun] – the ability to do something well with minimal waste of time, effort, or resources The new software improved efficiency in the office by automating repetitive tasks. sensor /SEN-sawr/ [noun] – a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or responds to it The security…
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Early humans used bones to make tools 1.5 million years ago

animal bones

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could go back in time, what would you want to teach early humans? What are some everyday tools you use? How do they help make tasks easier? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. handheld /HAND-held/ [adjective] – small and designed to be held in the hand The researchers developed a handheld device to detect air pollution in urban areas. weapon /WEP-uhn/ [noun] – an object used to harm or attack Ancient warriors used spears and bows as weapons for hunting and battle. craftsmanship /KRAFTS-muhn-ship/ [noun] – the skill of…
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Monarch butterfly population sees significant recovery amid conservation efforts

Monarch

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could fly like a butterfly, where would you go? Why? What do you think butterflies need to survive? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fir /fur/ [noun] – a type of evergreen tree that has flat needles and is commonly used as a Christmas tree In winter, the fir forest looked magical, with snow covering its branches. favorable /FEY-ver-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – beneficial or helping to produce a good result The company expanded its business due to favorable economic conditions. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – naturally existing in a certain place…
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Bringing back extinct traits with genetic engineering

GMO

©(Colossal Biosciences via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could bring back an extinct animal, which one would you choose? Why? If you could change one small trait about yourself (like hair color or height), would you do it? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. woolly /WOOL-ee/ [adjective] – covered with or resembling wool; having a thick, soft, or fluffy texture The sheep had a thick, woolly coat to protect it from the cold winter. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – at risk of becoming extinct or disappearing The government is working…
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Private lunar lander Blue Ghost successfully touches down on the moon, opening new frontier in space exploration

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©NASA/Firefly Aerospace Via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it takes to land something on the moon? Do you think the technology is ready for more moon landings? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to encourage people to do or buy something The company wants to promote its new product. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something important that you succeed in doing after trying hard Winning the race was her greatest achievement. despite /dih-SPAHYT/ [preposition] – in spite of; even though Despite the rain, we…
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Rare triple cyclone event unfolds in South Pacific amid peak storm season

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about tropical cyclones? Can you name any famous cyclones from history? What kind of damage can a tropical cyclone cause? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. meteorologist /mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts weather conditions The meteorologist predicted heavy rain, so we brought umbrellas. historical /hi-STAWR-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to events in the past The museum has historical photos of past cyclones. occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/ [noun ] – the fact or frequency of something happening The occurrence of three cyclones at the same…
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Private firm launches lunar lander to explore Moon’s shadowed crater

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think scientists want to study creaters on the moon? What challenges might they face during landing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to send something out, especially a vehicle into the air or space The company launched a new satellite into space last night. crater /KREY-ter/ [noun] – a large hole in the ground caused by an explosion or impact A giant crater was formed when the meteor hit the Earth. stability /stuh-bil-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of being steady and not likely to…
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Global glacier melt hits record high, study warns of dire consequences

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think glaciers form over time? What factors might cause glaciers to grow or shrink? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known or show something that was hidden The scientist revealed the results of the experiment to the public. analyze /AN-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to study something carefully to understand its details The students analyzed the map to find the best route. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a continuous decrease in number, amount, or quality The decline in rainfall caused problems for farmers. emphasize…
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Astronomers monitor asteroid 2024 YR4 as impact probability rises slightly

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about asteroids? What would you do if you heard that an asteroid might hit Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a feeling of worry or nervousness about something The teacher expressed concern about the students’ safety during the trip. formation /fawr-MEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of creating or developing something The Grand Canyon holds evidence of the Earth’s formation, revealing layers of rock that date back millions of years. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate, analyze, or determine the nature, importance, or…
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