Tag: science

Life Forms and Habitats in the World’s Oceans

B1 – Intermediate

Nature includes the terrestrial and marine environments. It is so interesting that we enjoy life mainly because of the deep-sea elements of our planet Earth. How much do you know about the aquatic environment?

Enjoy reading the article here to appreciate the life beneath the water surfaces.

http://www.english-online.at/biology/marine-biology/life-forms-and-habitats-in-the-worlds-oceans.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. When was the last time you visited a coastal area?
2. How can we keep or preserve our marine areas and marine life-forms?
3. Why is it important to take care of marine life?
4. Have you gone scuba diving or snorkeling? What water sports have you tried in the past?

Water on Mars: What Does It Mean?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Humans have always been curious about things – almost everything.  Our curiosity has brought us beyond planet Earth, searching for the answers of unending questions about life.  Is there life somewhere outside our beautiful planet?

Watch the video then read the article to know more.

Water on Mars: What Does It Mean?

Discuss:

1. Is it really worth the enormous expense to search for any life outside planet Earth while poverty, crime, diseases and death are still left unsolved?
2. Do you think there is life existence in other planets?

Baboon Survives after Pig Heart Transplant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A team of scientists who’ve successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig’s heart into a baboon is hoping someday to do the same procedure for human patients desperately in need of replacement organs.

Read the following article then be prepared to answer some discussion questions.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/dec/05/baboon-survives-pig-heart-organ-transplant-human-trials

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this scientific breakthrough?
  2. Should we transplant pig organs into humans? Discuss.
  3. Cite some issues with xenotransplantation.
  4. Is it right to alter an animal’s genome for the purpose of using its organs for human patients? Why or why not?

Oil-Eating Bacteria

B2 – Upper Intermediate

An oil spill is a form of pollution. The term is usually applied to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the waters, but spills may also occur on land.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on oil-eating bacteria.

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201509/oil-eating-bacteria/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What happened in the Gulf of Mexico?
  2. What can break down the carbon molecules present in oil?
  3. Did the oil-devouring property of marine microorganisms come about by chance? Or was it designed?
  4. How might oil-eating bacteria be helpful to humans and our environment?
  5. Was there ever an oil spill recorded in Spain? How was the incident resolved?

The Future Of Cardiology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cardiovascular diseases remain as one of the leading causes of death in the whole world. It is always good news to hear progress in cardiology that can help millions of patients across the globe.

Read the article below to find out how technology has made another advancement in the field of cardiology.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/05/22/408810461/the-future-of-cardiology-will-be-shown-in-3-d

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do they call this new project mentioned in the article? Describe the kind of technology featured in the article.
  2. What are your thoughts on this innovation in cardiology?
  3. Name and describe other medical advancements that you know of.
  4. Do you see any disadvantages to using high-tech machines or gadgets in the field of medicine?
  5. What other advancements in the medical field do you want to see? Why?

Link Between Earthquakes and Oil Drilling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oil drilling is one of the most important power source industry of our time. However, oil drilling does cause earthquakes.

Click the title below to know more about fracturing and what it does to the environment.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/experts-see-close-link-between-earthquakes-and-oil-drilling/2741941.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on oil and gas drilling’s effects on the environment.
  2. What can you say about the environmental effects of industrialization?
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? Talk about that time.

Three-Person Babies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Britain is the first country to have a type of procedure called ” mitochondrial replacement therapy.” It is to avoid women from passing diseases or disorders to their children.

However, there are different public reactions to this procedure that really frightens and offends others.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/three-person-babies-debate-science-religion/2663320.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your stand on this treatment?
2. Would you dare try MRT even if it may threaten your and your child’s health?
3. What is your opinion on gene mutation?
4. Has science gone beyond it distinctive procedures?

Robotic Firefighter

C2 – Proficient

Some elements of science fiction are turning into science facts. Case in point,  the use of machines that have humanoid form to do tasks too risky for their Homo sapiens counterparts is slowly but steadily changing operations in various industries.

One such robot is SAFFiR. Read about this firefighting mechanical wonder and watch the video as well.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/12/tech/mci-saffir-robot/index.html?iid=ob_article_organicsidebar_expansion&iref=obnetwork

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the robotic firefighter.
  2. What might be its pros and cons?
  3. How do you feel about robots saving human lives in dangerous situations?
  4. Do you think robots would do a better job than human beings in search and rescue operations? Elaborate.
  5. Why do you think some robots are engineered to resemble humans physically?
  6. Should we dread or look forward to the further rise of the machines? Explain.

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) has been around for years and yet the issue of whether it is safe or not has not yet been fully concluded. Because of that, there are groups and individuals who are against the use of GMO in consumer products.

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

Discuss:

1. What is your stand on this issue?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of GMO?
3. The article talks about new and “safer” GMO. Do you think it is a better option? Why or why not?

 

Zebras and Their Stripes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Animals are very different from each other. Every animal has its own distinct characteristics and appearance. Have you ever wondered why zebras have stripes?

The article below shows a very interesting reason behind the animal’s skin pattern and its purpose.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191031-the-truth-behind-why-zebras-have-stripes

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the study and why zebras have stripes.
  2. What other interesting animal features do you know of? How are they helpful to them or to us humans?
  3. What are implications of the number of endangered animals increasing?
  4. Have you got any pets or interest in animals? What are your preferences when it comes to animals?