Tag Archive: Science & Technology – Intermediate

Study links thousands of wildfire smoke deaths to climate change

wildfire

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you do when the weather is very hot and dry? Can you imagine what it’s like to live near a wildfire? What would you do first? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pattern /PAT-ern/ [noun] – a particular way in which something is done, is organized, or happens Scientists studied rainfall patterns to understand how the weather affects farming. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to make a guess or judgment about the size, amount, or value of something Engineers had to estimate the cost of building the new bridge. impact…
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Self-experiment leads to breakthrough in snakebite treatment research

snake

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What would you do if you found a snake in your backyard or neighborhood? If you could help scientists solve a big problem, what kind of problem would you want to work on? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deliberately /dih-LIB-er-it-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is planned or intended He deliberately chose a remote village for his vacation to avoid crowds. curiosity /kyoor-ee-OS-i-tee/ [noun] – a strong desire to learn or know something His curiosity about outer space led him to study astronomy. reaction /ree-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – a response…
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Young colossal squid seen alive for the first time in deep ocean near South Sandwich Islands

Brix-News

©ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a sea creature in real life? If so, where did you see it? If not, where would you like to see one? Do you know any animals that live deep in the ocean? If yes, which ones? If not, would you like to learn about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expedition /ek-spi-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a journey made for a particular purpose, especially for exploration The team went on an expedition to study sea animals. according to /uh-KOR-duhng/ [preposition] –…
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Genetic research project in Senegal aims to improve rare disease treatment in West Africa

Brix-News (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever read or watched something about a science research project? If so, what was it about? If not, what would you like to learn more? Have you seen or read news about health problems in other countries? If so, what was the problem? If not, what kind of problems do you think they might have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. project /PROJ-ekt/ [noun] – a planned piece of work with a goal The class started a new project about animals. treatment /TREET-muhnt/ [noun] – medical care for an…
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Female bonobos form coalitions to resist male aggression, 30-year study reveals

Brix-News (17)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of an animal called a bonobo? If so, what do you know about it? If not, what do you think it might look like? Do you know any animals that live in groups or families? If yes, what kind of animals are they? If no, what animals do you think might live in groups? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aggressive /uh-GRES-iv/ [adjective] – behaving in an angry and violent way towards another person The dog became aggressive when it saw another dog. relative /REL-uh-tiv/ [noun] –…
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Researchers observe rare whale shark behavior at St. Helena, Hinting at breeding site

Brix-News (16)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about whale sharks? Have you ever seen a picture or video of a whale shark? If so, where did you see it? If not, would you like to see one someday? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. marine /muh-REEN/ [adjective] – related to the sea or ocean The marine animals live deep in the ocean. observe /uhb-ZURV/ [verb] – to watch carefully The students observed birds in the park. technology /tek-NOL-uh-jee/ [noun] – the use of science to make new tools or machines…
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Carnivorous caterpillar discovered in Hawaii displays unique hunting behavior

Cater

©(Courtesy Daniel Rubinoff via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine life is like for an insect living in a big forest? Why do you think some animals are hard to find in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only one of its kind; special or unusual The artist has a unique style that makes her paintings easy to recognize. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – belonging to a place by birth or origin The panda is native to China and lives in bamboo forests. survive /ser-VAHYV/ [verb]…
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Global sea turtle populations show promising signs of recovery

seaturtle

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine a sea turtle’s journey in the ocean looks like? If you could create one rule to protect animals, what would it be? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. recover /ri-KUHV-er/ [verb] – to return to a normal or better state after a difficult situation The economy is starting to recover after the long recession. illegal /ih-LEE-guhl/ [adjective] – not allowed by law Selling these products without a license is illegal in many countries. destruction /dih-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of damaging something so badly that it no…
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Teen sleep problem raises concerns in the United States

Brix-News (15)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever felt tired during class because of not sleeping enough? If so, what did you do? If not, how do you stay rested? Do you use a phone or watch shows before sleeping? If so, does it make you sleep late? If not, what do you do instead? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adolescent /ad-l-ES-uhnt/ [noun] – a young person who is developing into an adult The adolescent joined a school club to meet new friends. delay /dih-LEY/ [verb] – to make something happen at a later time…
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5.2-magnitude earthquake hits Southern California; Elephants at San Diego Zoo Safari Park display protective behavior

Brix-News (14)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about animals reacting during natural disasters? What animals have you heard of protecting others in times of danger? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often causing destruction The earthquake caused buildings to shake and cracks appeared in the ground. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or surprising in a way that is worth attention She made a remarkable discovery that changed the way we think about space. intelligence /in-TEL-i-juhns/ [noun] – the ability to learn, understand,…
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