Scientists have recently made a significant discovery on Mars, finding a reservoir of liquid water deep within the planet’s rocky outer crust. This discovery was made through the analysis of data collected by NASA’s Insight lander, equipped with a seismometer, which recorded vibrations and Mars quakes over a period of four years since its landing in 2018. By studying these seismic signals, researchers were able to identify the presence of liquid water on Mars, a first of its kind finding.

While frozen water exists at the Martian poles and there is evidence of water vapor in the atmosphere, this discovery marks the first time liquid water has been detected on the planet. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Insight mission, which aimed to explore the evolution of rocky planets like Earth and Mars, concluded in December 2022 after gathering valuable data on Mars’ seismic activity and subsurface characteristics.

The analysis of the seismic data revealed reservoirs of water located at depths ranging from six to twelve miles within the Martian crust. Understanding the presence of liquid water on Mars is crucial for comprehending the planet’s climate, surface, and interior evolution. Scientists emphasize the importance of water in shaping a planet’s evolution, shedding light on the long-standing question of where the Martian water disappeared to over billions of years.

Despite the presence of ancient river and lake evidence on the Martian surface, the planet has been a desert for about three billion years. The discovery of deep reservoirs of water inside Mars suggests the potential for habitable environments deep underground, which could be a target for future exploration missions seeking evidence of life on the planet. The location of this Martian groundwater, buried deep within the crust, poses challenges for potential colonization plans due to the difficulty of accessing water resources located 10-20km below the surface.

The findings from the Insight mission offer valuable insights into Mars’ geological composition and water distribution, providing scientists with a deeper understanding of the planet’s history and potential for sustaining life. This discovery of liquid water on Mars opens up new avenues for further research and exploration, fueling curiosity about the planet’s past and its potential for supporting life in the depths of its rocky crust.

Original news source: Reservoir of liquid water found deep in Martian rocks (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Charades
Instructions: Divide the students into two teams. Write down words related to the article on separate pieces of paper (e.g., Mars, water, NASA, seismic signals). One student from each team will pick a word and act it out without speaking, while their team tries to guess the word within a time limit. Rotate turns between teams.

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs and summarize the key points of the article about the discovery of liquid water on Mars. Each pair will then present their summary to the class, focusing on the main findings and implications of the research.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Provide a list of vocabulary words related to the article (e.g., reservoir, seismic signals, habitable) to the students. Each student will take turns drawing one of the words on the board while the rest of the class tries to guess the word. Encourage students to use contextual clues to guess the vocabulary accurately.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask the students to take a few minutes to think about and note down their opinions on the discovery of liquid water on Mars. Then, pair them up to discuss their thoughts with a partner. Finally, open up the discussion to the whole class, allowing students to share their viewpoints and engage in a group conversation.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In groups of three or four, have the students discuss and make predictions about the potential implications of finding liquid water on Mars for future exploration and research. Each group will present their predictions to the class, focusing on both scientific and societal impacts that this discovery may have.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How was the discovery of liquid water on Mars made?
2. What equipment did the NASA Insight lander use to make this discovery?
3. Why is the presence of liquid water on Mars significant for scientists?
4. What challenges do the deep reservoirs of water on Mars pose for potential colonization plans?
5. What does the presence of liquid water on Mars suggest about habitable environments on the planet?
6. How long has Mars been considered a desert, according to the article?
7. How deep are the reservoirs of water located within the Martian crust?
8. What insights do the findings from the Insight mission provide about Mars’ geological composition and history?
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🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Scientists have recently made a significant discovery on Mars, (1)______ a reservoir of liquid water deep within the planet’s rocky outer crust. This discovery was made through the analysis of data collected by NASA’s Insight lander, equipped with a seismometer, which recorded vibrations and Mars quakes over a (2)______ of four years since its landing in 2018. By studying these seismic signals, researchers were able to identify the presence of liquid water on Mars, a first of its kind finding.

While frozen water exists at the Martian poles and there is (3)______ of water vapor in the (4)______, this discovery marks the first time (5)______ water has been detected on the (6)______. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Insight mission, which (7)______ to explore the evolution of rocky planets like Earth and Mars, concluded in December 2022 after gathering valuable data on Mars’ seismic activity and subsurface characteristics.

The analysis of the seismic data revealed (8)______ of water located at depths ranging from six to twelve miles within the Martian crust. Understanding the presence of liquid water on Mars is crucial for comprehending the planet’s climate, surface, and interior evolution. Scientists emphasize the importance of water in shaping a planet’s evolution, shedding light on the long-standing question of where the (9)______ water disappeared to over (10)______ of (11)______.

Despite the presence of ancient (12)______ and lake evidence on the Martian surface, the planet has been a desert for about three billion years. The discovery of deep reservoirs of water inside Mars suggests the potential for habitable environments deep underground, which could be a target for future exploration missions seeking evidence of life on the planet. The location of this Martian groundwater, buried deep within the (13)______, (14)______ challenges for potential colonization plans due to the difficulty of accessing water resources located 10-20km below the surface.

The findings from the Insight mission offer valuable (15)______ into Mars’ geological composition and water distribution, providing scientists with a deeper understanding of the planet’s history and potential for (16)______ life. This discovery of liquid water on Mars opens up new avenues for further research and exploration, fueling curiosity about the planet’s past and its potential for supporting life in the depths of its rocky crust.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. How do you think the discovery of liquid water on Mars will impact future space exploration missions?
2. Do you believe that the presence of liquid water on Mars increases the likelihood of finding evidence of past or present life on the planet? Why or why not?
3. What do you think are the ethical considerations of potentially colonizing Mars, considering the challenges of accessing water resources deep underground?
4. How would you feel if humans were able to establish a permanent settlement on Mars in the future, knowing that there is liquid water deep within the planet’s crust?
5. Do you think the discovery of liquid water on Mars changes our understanding of the possibilities for life beyond Earth? Why or why not?
6. What impact do you think the presence of liquid water on Mars will have on our perception of the planet as a potential candidate for future human habitation?
7. How do you think the discovery of liquid water on Mars will influence future scientific research and technological advancements related to space exploration?
8. Do you believe that exploring the deep reservoirs of water on Mars should be a top priority for future space missions? Why or why not?
9. How important do you think it is for humans to continue exploring and studying planets like Mars, despite the challenges and limitations of space exploration?
10. What are your thoughts on the potential for finding habitable environments deep underground on Mars, and the implications this may have for the search for extraterrestrial life?
11. How do you think the discovery of liquid water on Mars will impact our understanding of the evolution of rocky planets like Earth?
12. Do you think the discovery of liquid water on Mars will change the way we view the planet’s past and its potential for supporting life?
13. How would you react if evidence of microbial life was found in the deep reservoirs of water on Mars in the future?
14. What challenges do you think scientists and researchers will face in further exploring the deep underground water reservoirs on Mars?
15. In your opinion, how significant is the discovery of liquid water on Mars in the context of our exploration of the universe and our understanding of other planets?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. reservoir
2. seismometer
3. vibrations
4. seismic
5. subsurface
6. comprehending
7. evolution
8. shedding
9. ancient
10. habitable
11. colonization
12. geological
13. distribution
14. sustaining
15. exploration

Meanings:
(A) A large natural or artificial storage space for water
(B) Belonging to the very distant past
(C) Allowing light to be seen or understood
(D) The gradual development or change of something over time
(E) The way in which something is shared out or spread over an area
(F) Related to or caused by an earthquake or other vibrations of the earth
(G) Related to the physical structure and substance of the earth
(H) The act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it
(I) Maintaining or supporting over time
(J) The act of establishing control over a new area or territory
(K) Rapid motions back and forth or up and down
(L) Understanding or grasping the meaning of something
(M) Suitable for living in
(N) Located beneath the surface
(O) An instrument that measures and records the intensity of ground movements
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How was the discovery of liquid water on Mars made?
(a) By observing the Martian poles
(b) Through the analysis of seismic data
(c) By studying the atmosphere
(d) Through satellite imaging

2. Where was the liquid water found on Mars?
(a) On the surface
(b) In the Martian atmosphere
(c) In reservoirs deep within the rocky crust
(d) At the poles

3. What kind of data did NASA’s Insight lander collect to make this discovery?
(a) Visual images
(b) Temperature readings
(c) Atmospheric pressure measurements
(d) Seismic data

4. When did the Insight mission conclude?
(a) December 2021
(b) January 2023
(c) November 2022
(d) December 2022

5. Why is understanding the presence of liquid water on Mars important?
(a) To study the Martian atmosphere
(b) To explore potential colonization opportunities
(c) To comprehend the planet’s climate and evolution
(d) To understand the planet’s magnetic field

6. What does the discovery of liquid water on Mars suggest about potential habitable environments?
(a) They could exist deep underground
(b) They are only on the surface
(c) They are near the Martian poles
(d) They are in the atmosphere

7. What is a challenge posed by the location of the Martian groundwater?
(a) Accessing water resources located deep below the surface
(b) Accessing water resources on the surface
(c) Dealing with water scarcity
(d) Managing water pollution

8. What do the findings from the Insight mission provide scientists with?
(a) Information about the Martian atmosphere
(b) Deeper understanding of Mars’ geological composition and water distribution
(c) Details about Mars’ plant life
(d) Insights into the history of Mars’ moons

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The presence of liquid water on Mars could impact the planet’s climate, surface, and interior evolution.
2. The Insight lander recorded silence and Mars quakes over a period of four years since its landing in 2018.
3. Scientists have discovered a reservoir of liquid water deep within Mars’ rocky outer crust.
4. The Insight mission concluded in December 2022 after ignoring data on Mars’ seismic activity and subsurface characteristics.
5. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
6. The discovery of shallow reservoirs of water inside Mars suggests potential habitable environments deep underground.
7. The discovery was made through data collected by NASA’s Insight lander equipped with a seismometer.
8. This is not the first time liquid water has been detected on Mars.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What technology did NASA’s Insight lander use to discover the reservoir of liquid water on Mars?
2. Why is the discovery of liquid water on Mars significant in terms of understanding the planet’s evolution?
3. How deep are the reservoirs of water located within the Martian crust, according to the analysis of seismic data?
4. What potential implications does the discovery of liquid water on Mars have for future exploration missions seeking evidence of life on the planet?
5. What challenges do scientists face in accessing the Martian groundwater located deep within the planet’s crust for potential colonization plans?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How was the discovery of liquid water on Mars made?
The discovery of liquid water on Mars was made through the analysis of seismic data collected by NASA’s Insight lander.

2. What equipment did the NASA Insight lander use to make this discovery?
The NASA Insight lander used a seismometer to record vibrations and Mars quakes, which helped identify the presence of liquid water on Mars.

3. Why is the presence of liquid water on Mars significant for scientists?
The presence of liquid water on Mars is significant for scientists as it provides insights into the planet’s climate, surface, interior evolution, and potential for sustaining life.

4. What challenges do the deep reservoirs of water on Mars pose for potential colonization plans?
The deep reservoirs of water on Mars, located 10-20km below the surface, pose challenges for potential colonization plans due to the difficulty of accessing water resources at such depths.

5. What does the presence of liquid water on Mars suggest about habitable environments on the planet?
The presence of liquid water on Mars suggests the potential for habitable environments deep underground, which could be a target for future exploration missions seeking evidence of life.

6. How long has Mars been considered a desert, according to the article?
Mars has been considered a desert for about three billion years.

7. How deep are the reservoirs of water located within the Martian crust?
The reservoirs of water on Mars are located at depths ranging from six to twelve miles within the Martian crust.

8. What insights do the findings from the Insight mission provide about Mars’ geological composition and history?
The findings from the Insight mission provide valuable insights into Mars’ geological composition, water distribution, and history, deepening scientists’ understanding of the planet.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) finding
(2) period
(3) evidence
(4) atmosphere
(5) liquid
(6) planet
(7) aimed
(8) reservoirs
(9) Martian
(10) billions
(11) years
(12) river
(13) crust
(14) poses
(15) insights
(16) sustaining
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. reservoir
Answer: (A) A large natural or artificial storage space for water

2. seismometer
Answer: (O) An instrument that measures and records the intensity of ground movements

3. vibrations
Answer: (K) Rapid motions back and forth or up and down

4. seismic
Answer: (F) Related to or caused by an earthquake or other vibrations of the earth

5. subsurface
Answer: (N) Located beneath the surface

6. comprehending
Answer: (L) Understanding or grasping the meaning of something

7. evolution
Answer: (D) The gradual development or change of something over time

8. shedding
Answer: (C) Allowing light to be seen or understood

9. ancient
Answer: (B) Belonging to the very distant past

10. habitable
Answer: (M) Suitable for living in

11. colonization
Answer: (J) The act of establishing control over a new area or territory

12. geological
Answer: (G) Related to the physical structure and substance of the earth

13. distribution
Answer: (E) The way in which something is shared out or spread over an area

14. sustaining
Answer: (I) Maintaining or supporting over time

15. exploration
Answer: (H) The act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. How was the discovery of liquid water on Mars made?
Answer: (b) Through the analysis of seismic data

2. Where was the liquid water found on Mars?
Answer: (c) In reservoirs deep within the rocky crust

3. What kind of data did NASA’s Insight lander collect to make this discovery?
Answer: (d) Seismic data

4. When did the Insight mission conclude?
Answer: (d) December 2022

5. Why is understanding the presence of liquid water on Mars important?
Answer: (c) To comprehend the planet’s climate and evolution

6. What does the discovery of liquid water on Mars suggest about potential habitable environments?
Answer: (a) They could exist deep underground

7. What is a challenge posed by the location of the Martian groundwater?
Answer: (a) Accessing water resources located deep below the surface

8. What do the findings from the Insight mission provide scientists with?
Answer: (b) Deeper understanding of Mars’ geological composition and water distribution
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The presence of liquid water on Mars could impact the planet’s climate, surface, and interior evolution. (Answer: True)
2. The Insight lander recorded silence and Mars quakes over a period of four years since its landing in 2018. (Answer: False)
3. Scientists have discovered a reservoir of liquid water deep within Mars’ rocky outer crust. (Answer: True)
4. The Insight mission concluded in December 2022 after ignoring data on Mars’ seismic activity and subsurface characteristics. (Answer: False)
5. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (Answer: True)
6. The discovery of shallow reservoirs of water inside Mars suggests potential habitable environments deep underground. (Answer: False)
7. The discovery was made through data collected by NASA’s Insight lander equipped with a seismometer. (Answer: True)
8. This is not the first time liquid water has been detected on Mars. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧