The Hera spacecraft was launched from Florida to study an asteroid. This asteroid was moved by NASA in 2022 to see if we can stop dangerous asteroids from hitting Earth. Hera will reach the asteroid, called Dimorphos, in December 2026. Dimorphos is a small moon that orbits another asteroid named Didymos.
When Hera arrives, it will look at the crater made when NASA hit Dimorphos. It will also study what the asteroid is made of and how much it weighs. Scientists want to learn more about asteroids to stop them from hitting Earth in the future. Even though big asteroid impacts are rare, smaller ones could still be dangerous.
NASA showed it is possible to change an asteroid's path, but there are still challenges. The Hera mission will help us understand asteroids better. Scientists want to use this knowledge to protect Earth from future asteroid impacts. By studying these space rocks, we can be more prepared for any threats.
Original news source: Spacecraft launches towards knocked-off-course asteroid (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Charades
Instructions: Write down key words related to the article on small pieces of paper (e.g., Hera spacecraft, asteroid, Dimorphos, NASA, study, impact). Have students take turns picking a piece of paper and acting out the word without speaking while the others guess what it is.
– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Each pair will read the article and summarize it in their own words. Then, one student from each pair will share their summary with the class. Encourage them to include the main points of the article.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down vocabulary words from the article on the board (e.g., spacecraft, asteroid, impact). Have students take turns coming to the board to draw the word while the others guess what it is. This will help reinforce their understanding of the new vocabulary.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article (e.g., "I think studying asteroids is important," "I believe NASA should focus on other projects," "I am interested in space exploration"). Have students move around the room and ask their classmates for their opinions on each statement, marking down their responses.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask students to think about how they would feel if they were part of the Hera mission or if they were scientists studying asteroids. Then, have them pair up to discuss their thoughts. Finally, select a few pairs to share their ideas with the whole class.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The name of the spacecraft is Hera.
Hera will reach the asteroid Dimorphos in December 2026.
Hera will look at the crater made when NASA hit Dimorphos and study what the asteroid is made of and how much it weighs.
Scientists want to study asteroids to learn more about them and prevent them from hitting Earth in the future.
NASA moved the asteroid Dimorphos to see if we can stop dangerous asteroids from hitting Earth.
Dimorphos is a small moon that orbits another asteroid named Didymos.
Scientists hope to use the knowledge gained from the Hera mission to protect Earth from future asteroid impacts by being more prepared for any threats.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
The Hera was from Florida to study an asteroid. This asteroid was moved by NASA in 2022 to see if we can stop dangerous asteroids from hitting Earth. Hera will reach the asteroid, called Dimorphos, in 2026. is a small moon that orbits another asteroid named Didymos. When arrives, it will look at the made when NASA hit Dimorphos. It will also study what the asteroid is made of and how much it weighs. Scientists want to more about asteroids to stop them from hitting Earth in the future. Even though big asteroid impacts are , smaller ones could still be dangerous. showed it is possible to change an asteroid's path, but there are still challenges. The Hera will help us asteroids better. want to use this knowledge to protect Earth from future asteroid impacts. By studying these space rocks, we can be more prepared for any threats.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about space exploration?
2. How would you feel if you saw a real asteroid in the sky?
3. Do you like learning about planets and space?
4. What is an asteroid?
5. Do you think it's important to study asteroids? Why or why not?
6. How do you think scientists can protect Earth from asteroids?
7. What would you do if you were in charge of studying asteroids?
8. Why do you think NASA wants to stop dangerous asteroids from hitting Earth?
9. How do you think Hera will help scientists understand asteroids better?
10. Do you think it's possible to change an asteroid's path? Why or why not?
11. If you could visit an asteroid, would you go? Why or why not?
12. Why is it important for us to be prepared for any asteroid threats?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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