Bedbugs have become a growing concern for hotels and travel companies, who are now searching for effective ways to combat the problem. In response to this, a tech firm in Cambridge has developed a smart trap connected to an online alert system. BBC News recently visited the lab to learn more about their research on bed bug behavior and the innovative solutions they are creating.
The lab in Cambridge is dedicated to studying bed bug behavior and finding ways to detect and prevent infestations. They have developed a smart trap that uses advanced technology to attract and capture bedbugs. The trap is connected to an online alert system, which notifies the hotel or travel company immediately when bedbugs are detected. This allows for swift action to be taken to prevent the spread of infestations.
The smart trap works by emitting a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals that mimic human scent, which attracts the bedbugs. Once the bedbugs enter the trap, they are captured and cannot escape. The online alert system then sends a notification to the hotel or travel company, allowing them to take immediate action to address the issue.
This innovative solution is a game-changer for the hospitality industry, as it allows for early detection and prevention of bedbug infestations. By detecting bedbugs early on, hotels and travel companies can take proactive measures to eliminate the pests before they become a major problem. This not only protects the reputation of the establishment but also ensures the comfort and safety of guests.
Overall, the lab in Cambridge is at the forefront of developing effective solutions to combat the rising concern of bedbugs. Their smart trap, connected to an online alert system, provides a proactive approach to detecting and preventing infestations. With the implementation of this technology, hotels and travel companies can effectively address the issue of bedbugs and provide a safe and comfortable environment for their guests.
Original news source: Inside the lab building bedbug detectors (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a copy of the article and ask them to read it together. After they have finished reading, instruct them to write a brief summary of the article, highlighting the main points and key information. After a designated amount of time, have each group share their summaries with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Ask each group to discuss and share their opinions on the topic of bedbugs and the smart trap solution. Provide them with a list of questions to guide their discussion, such as “Do you think bedbugs are a serious problem in hotels? Why or why not?” and “Do you think the smart trap solution is effective? Why or why not?” After they have discussed their opinions, conduct a class poll by asking each group to share their responses to each question.
– Sketch It
Instructions: Give each student a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Instruct them to choose a scene or concept from the article and sketch it on their paper. After they have finished, have the students take turns sharing their sketches with a partner or with the class. Encourage them to explain their drawings and discuss the significance of the chosen scene or concept.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into teams. Assign each team a list of vocabulary words from the article, such as “infestations,” “proactive,” and “reputation.” Instruct the teams to take turns selecting a word and drawing it on the board or on a piece of paper. The other teams must guess the word based on the drawing. The team that guesses correctly earns a point. Continue until all the words have been guessed or a designated time limit has been reached. The team with the most points wins.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Instruct each student to imagine they are a hotel or travel company owner in the future, using the smart trap technology to combat bedbug infestations. Have them write a short paragraph or give a short presentation discussing how they would use the technology, how it would impact their business, and any potential challenges or benefits they foresee. After they have finished, have a class discussion where students share their predictions and discuss the feasibility and potential impact of their ideas.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the purpose of the smart trap developed by the lab in Cambridge?
2. How does the smart trap attract and capture bedbugs?
3. What happens once the bedbugs are captured in the smart trap?
4. How does the online alert system work?
5. Why is early detection of bedbugs important for hotels and travel companies?
6. What are the potential consequences of a bedbug infestation for a hotel or travel company?
7. What is the main advantage of the smart trap and online alert system for the hospitality industry?
8. What is the overall goal of the lab in Cambridge in regards to bedbug prevention and detection?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Bedbugs have become a growing concern for hotels and travel (1)______, who are now searching for effective ways to combat the problem. In response to this, a tech firm in Cambridge has developed a smart trap connected to an (2)______ alert system. BBC News recently visited the lab to learn more about their research on bed bug behavior and the (3)______ solutions they are creating.
The lab in Cambridge is (4)______ to studying bed bug behavior and finding ways to detect and prevent infestations. They have developed a smart trap that uses advanced (5)______ to attract and capture bedbugs. The trap is (6)______ to an online alert system, which notifies the hotel or travel company immediately when bedbugs are detected. This allows for swift (7)______ to be taken to prevent the spread of infestations.
The smart trap works by emitting a combination of heat, carbon (8)______, and chemicals that mimic human scent, which attracts the bedbugs. Once the bedbugs enter the trap, they are captured and cannot escape. The online alert system then (9)______ a notification to the hotel or travel company, allowing them to take immediate action to address the issue.
This innovative (10)______ is a game-changer for the hospitality industry, as it allows for early detection and prevention of bedbug infestations. By detecting bedbugs early on, hotels and travel companies can take proactive measures to eliminate the (11)______ before they become a major (12)______. This not only protects the reputation of the establishment but also ensures the comfort and safety of guests.
Overall, the lab in Cambridge is at the forefront of developing effective solutions to combat the rising (13)______ of bedbugs. Their smart trap, connected to an online alert system, provides a proactive (14)______ to (15)______ and preventing infestations. With the implementation of this technology, hotels and (16)______ companies can effectively address the issue of bedbugs and provide a safe and comfortable environment for their guests.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is a bedbug and why are they a concern for hotels and travel companies?
2. How would you feel if you found out your hotel room had bedbugs?
3. Do you think the smart trap connected to an online alert system is an effective solution for detecting and preventing bedbug infestations? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever encountered bedbugs while traveling? If so, how did you handle the situation?
5. What steps do you think hotels and travel companies should take to prevent bedbug infestations?
6. Do you think the reputation of a hotel or travel company is important when it comes to bedbug infestations? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the implementation of the smart trap technology will impact the hospitality industry?
8. Have you ever had a negative experience with bedbugs in a hotel or travel accommodation? If so, how did it affect your perception of the establishment?
9. Do you think the smart trap technology could be adapted for use in other industries or settings? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the presence of bedbugs in a hotel room affects the comfort and safety of guests?
11. What measures do you think hotels and travel companies should take to address bedbug infestations once they are detected?
12. Do you think the smart trap technology will be effective in preventing the spread of bedbug infestations to other rooms or areas of a hotel or travel accommodation? Why or why not?
13. How would you feel if you were staying in a hotel that used the smart trap technology to proactively detect and prevent bedbug infestations?
14. What do you think are the potential drawbacks or limitations of using the smart trap technology for bedbug detection and prevention?
15. Do you think the development of the smart trap technology will have a significant impact on the overall prevalence of bedbugs in hotels and travel accommodations? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. bedbugs
2. trap
3. online
4. alert
5. system
6. detect
7. prevent
8. infestations
Meanings:
(a) Small insects that infest beds and furniture
(b) A warning or notification
(c) To stop something from happening or occurring
(d) To find or discover something
(e) Device used to capture or catch something
(f) A method or process for doing something
(g) Connected to the internet or a network
(h) The presence of a large number of pests or parasites
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the purpose of the smart trap developed by the tech firm in Cambridge?
(a) To attract and capture bedbugs
(b) To emit heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals
(c) To notify hotels and travel companies of bedbug infestations
(d) To prevent the spread of infestations
2. How does the smart trap attract bedbugs?
(a) By emitting a high-pitched sound
(b) By releasing a strong odor
(c) By emitting a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals that mimic human scent
(d) By using bright lights
3. What does the online alert system do?
(a) Captures and eliminates bedbugs
(b) Emits a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals
(c) Mimics human scent to attract bedbugs
(d) Notifies the hotel or travel company when bedbugs are detected
4. Why is the smart trap considered a game-changer for the hospitality industry?
(a) It eliminates the need for pest control services
(b) It provides a comfortable environment for guests
(c) It attracts and captures bedbugs
(d) It allows for early detection and prevention of bedbug infestations
5. What is the main benefit of detecting bedbugs early on?
(a) It protects the reputation of the establishment
(b) Hotels and travel companies can take proactive measures to eliminate the pests
(c) It ensures the comfort and safety of guests
(d) All of the above
6. What is the main focus of the lab in Cambridge?
(a) Studying bed bug behavior and finding ways to detect and prevent infestations
(b) Developing smart traps for other pests
(c) Researching the impact of bedbugs on the hospitality industry
(d) Creating online alert systems for hotels and travel companies
7. What does the smart trap do once bedbugs enter it?
(a) Releases a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals
(b) Notifies the hotel or travel company of the infestation
(c) Captures and prevents the bedbugs from escaping
(d) Mimics human scent to attract more bedbugs
8. What is the goal of the lab in Cambridge?
(a) To eliminate all bedbugs worldwide
(b) To develop effective solutions to combat the rising concern of bedbugs
(c) To provide a safe and comfortable environment for guests
(d) To attract and capture as many bedbugs as possible
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. The lab in Cambridge is dedicated to studying bed bug behavior and finding ways to detect and prevent infestations.
2. A tech firm in Cambridge has developed a dumb trap disconnected from an online alert system to contribute to the problem of bedbugs in hotels and travel companies.
3. The smart trap uses archaic technology to repel and repulse bedbugs by emitting a combination of cold, oxygen, and chemicals that deter human scent.
4. Once the bedbugs enter the trap, they are released and can easily escape.
5. The online alert system notifies the hotel or travel company immediately when bedbugs are detected.
6. Late detection and prevention of bedbug infestations is inconsequential for the reputation, comfort, and safety of guests in the hospitality industry.
7. The implementation of this technology provides a proactive approach to addressing the issue of bedbugs and ensures a safe and comfortable environment for guests.
8. The smart trap and online alert system allow for swift action to be taken to prevent the spread of bedbug infestations.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What is the purpose of the smart trap developed by the tech firm in Cambridge?
2. How does the smart trap attract and capture bedbugs?
3. Why is early detection of bedbugs important for hotels and travel companies?
4. How does the online alert system work?
5. What is the overall goal of the lab in Cambridge in regards to bedbug infestations?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. The purpose of the smart trap developed by the lab in Cambridge is to detect and capture bedbugs.
2. The smart trap attracts and captures bedbugs by emitting a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals that mimic human scent.
3. Once the bedbugs are captured in the smart trap, they cannot escape.
4. The online alert system sends a notification to the hotel or travel company when bedbugs are detected in the smart trap.
5. Early detection of bedbugs is important for hotels and travel companies because it allows them to take immediate action to prevent the spread of infestations.
6. The potential consequences of a bedbug infestation for a hotel or travel company include damage to their reputation and the discomfort and potential health risks for their guests.
7. The main advantage of the smart trap and online alert system for the hospitality industry is that it provides a proactive approach to detecting and preventing bedbug infestations.
8. The overall goal of the lab in Cambridge is to develop effective solutions for bedbug prevention and detection in order to provide a safe and comfortable environment for guests in the hospitality industry.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) companies
(2) online
(3) innovative
(4) dedicated
(5) technology
(6) connected
(7) action
(8) dioxide
(9) sends
(10) solution
(11) pests
(12) problem
(13) concern
(14) approach
(15) detecting
(16) travel
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. bedbugs
Answer: (a) Small insects that infest beds and furniture
2. trap
Answer: (e) Device used to capture or catch something
3. online
Answer: (g) Connected to the internet or a network
4. alert
Answer: (b) A warning or notification
5. system
Answer: (f) A method or process for doing something
6. detect
Answer: (d) To find or discover something
7. prevent
Answer: (c) To stop something from happening or occurring
8. infestations
Answer: (h) The presence of a large number of pests or parasites
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the purpose of the smart trap developed by the tech firm in Cambridge?
Answer: (a) To attract and capture bedbugs
2. How does the smart trap attract bedbugs?
Answer: (c) By emitting a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals that mimic human scent
3. What does the online alert system do?
Answer: (d) Notifies the hotel or travel company when bedbugs are detected
4. Why is the smart trap considered a game-changer for the hospitality industry?
Answer: (d) It allows for early detection and prevention of bedbug infestations
5. What is the main benefit of detecting bedbugs early on?
Answer: (b) Hotels and travel companies can take proactive measures to eliminate the pests
6. What is the main focus of the lab in Cambridge?
Answer: (a) Studying bed bug behavior and finding ways to detect and prevent infestations
7. What does the smart trap do once bedbugs enter it?
Answer: (c) Captures and prevents the bedbugs from escaping
8. What is the goal of the lab in Cambridge?
Answer: (b) To develop effective solutions to combat the rising concern of bedbugs
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. The lab in Cambridge is dedicated to studying bed bug behavior and finding ways to detect and prevent infestations. (Answer: True)
2. A tech firm in Cambridge has developed a dumb trap disconnected from an online alert system to contribute to the problem of bedbugs in hotels and travel companies. (Answer: False)
3. The smart trap uses archaic technology to repel and repulse bedbugs by emitting a combination of cold, oxygen, and chemicals that deter human scent. (Answer: False)
4. Once the bedbugs enter the trap, they are released and can easily escape. (Answer: False)
5. The online alert system notifies the hotel or travel company immediately when bedbugs are detected. (Answer: True)
6. Late detection and prevention of bedbug infestations is inconsequential for the reputation, comfort, and safety of guests in the hospitality industry. (Answer: False)
7. The implementation of this technology provides a proactive approach to addressing the issue of bedbugs and ensures a safe and comfortable environment for guests. (Answer: True)
8. The smart trap and online alert system allow for swift action to be taken to prevent the spread of bedbug infestations. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧
