1 . Despite an ever-higher bar to grab the attention of students in large lecture hall, Tatiana Erukhimova, who teaches physics at Texas A&M University, has managed to get her students, as well as future generations, excited about the science.
Known as “Dr. Tatiana”, the professor performs physics tricks with boundless energy and enthusiasm in her videos. A range of everyday objects are used in her experiments, from pingpong balls and toilet paper to marshmallows, bicycle wheels and hair dryers. Videos of her dramatic demonstrations have received hundreds of millions of views across social media platforms.
However, things aren’t always easy. When she first started teaching college freshman classes two decades ago, she also struggled to grab the attention of her students. “I did not grab their attention on the first day-that was my mistake.” she says. “I missed this opportunity to bond with them from the very beginning, and then it took me a while to find my voice.”
By the second semester, she found her footing, adjusting her approach to get her students engaged. The key, she says, has been to make herself approachable and her instruction personal. And, of course, add showy demonstrations. “These demonstrations often help students to connect these abstract concepts with real life.” she says.
Physics department head Grigory Rogachev says Erukhimova’s work has helped bring visibility to the department, with about 2. 5 million subscribers on its department’s YouTube page, which has translated to a boost in research funds and physics major applicants.
As a leader in a STEM field in which women are underrepresented, she’s become a role model for some. Afiya Dhanani attended Texas A&M University after seeing Erukhimova’s videos online. “Watching Dr. Tatiana do the experiments online, especially since she was a female leader. Was more inspiring for me to even go into physics.” Dhanani said in an interview with CBS Mornings. That’s all Erakhimova says she can hope for -making physics less forbidding and more exciting.
1. What does Erukhimova’s online videos feature?A.Rare materials. | B.Energetic presentation. |
C.Plain demonstration. | D.Professional explanation. |
A.All that glitters is not gold. |
B.Sharp tools make good work. |
C.First impressions are make or break. |
D.A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. |
A.It leads more students to change their majors. |
B.It makes more people to know about the department. |
C.It helps the department translate more research papers. |
D.It attracts more physics professors to join the department. |
A.Inspirational. | B.Underestimated. | C.Cooperative. | D.Ambitious. |
2 . Do you want to ensure your child hits their expected developmental milestones? New UBC research suggests living in areas with high exposure to green space can help set them up for success.
For the study, the researchers at UBC analyzed the developmental scores of 27,372 children in Metro Vancouver who attended kindergarten between 2005 and 2011.They estimated the amount of green space around each child’s residence from birth to age five. They also assessed levels of traffic-related air pollution and community noise.
The results highlight the fundamental importance of natural green spaces like street trees, parks and community gardens. “Most of the children were doing well in their development, in terms of language skills, cognitive (认知的) capacity, socialization and other outcomes,” says Ingrid Jarvis, a PhD candidate in the department of forest and conservation sciences at UBC. “But what’s interesting is that those children living in a residential location with more vegetation and richer natural environments showed better overall development than their peers with less green space.”
According to the researchers, the reason for this is partly green spaces’ ability to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution and noise - environmental challenges that have been shown to adversely (不利地) affect children’s health and development through increased stress, sleep disturbances and central nervous system damage. “Few studies have investigated this pathway linking green space and developmental outcomes among children,” adds Jarvis.
The researchers assessed early childhood development using the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a survey completed by kindergarten teachers for each child. The tool measures a child’s ability to meet age-appropriate developmental expectations.
“More research is needed, but our findings suggest that urban planning efforts to increase green space in residential neighbourhoods and around schools are beneficial for early childhood development, with potential health benefits throughout life,” says the study’s senior author Matilda Bosch. “Time in nature can benefit everyone, but if we want our children to have a good head start, it’s important to provide an enriching environment through nature contact.”
1. Which is a key factor in the researchers’ study?A.The kids’ scores from school exams. |
B.The average IQ score of the subjects. |
C.The green space where the kids lived. |
D.The air pollution level of the whole city. |
A.Air pollution is largely to blame for kids’ failures. |
B.Kids living in a noisy area tend to feel more stressed. |
C.Pollution harms kids’ nervous system more than noise. |
D.Greenspace is directly linked to kids’ mental development. |
A.The importance of nature in kids’ growth. |
B.The role of research in scientific work. |
C.The proper way of giving a good start to kids. |
D.The urgency of expanding greenspace in cities. |
A.What Are the Health Effects of Noise Pollution? |
B.Green Spaces: A guarantee for Kids’ Future Success |
C.Urban Green Space and Its Impact on Human Health |
D.Time in Nature Aids Early Childhood Development |
3 . According to a new Agriculture Department report, U.S. forests could exacerbate global warming because they are being destroyed by natural disasters and are losing their ability to absorb planet-warming gases as they get older. The report predicts that the ability of forests to absorb carbon will start declining after 2025 and that forests could release up to 100 million metric tons of carbon a year as their emissions from decaying (腐烂) trees are beyond their carbon absorption. Forests could become a “substantial carbon source” by2070, the USDA report says.
The loss of carbon absorption is caused in part by natural disasters such as wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes, which are increasing in frequency and strength as global temperatures rise. The disasters destroy forests, destroying their ecosystem and decreasing their ability to absorb carbon, according to Lynn Riley, a senior manager of climate science at the American Forest Foundation. Aging forests also contribute. The report found that older, mature trees absorb less carbon than younger trees of the same species, and U.S. forests are rapidly aging.
This trend is likely to continue, as forests come under increasing threat from climate change and exploitation (开采). The typical tropical forest may become a carbon source by the 2060s, according to Simon Lewis, a professor in the school of geography at Leeds University. “Humans have been lucky so far, as tropical forests are cleaning up lots of our pollution, but they can’t keep doing that forever,” he said. “We need to cut down fossil fuel emissions before the global carbon cycle starts working against us.”
U.S. forests currently absorb 11 percent of U.S. carbon emissions, or 150 million metric tons of carbon a year, equal to the combined emissions from 40 coal power plants, according to the report. The loss of forests as natural carbon absorbers will require the U.S. to cut emissions more rapidly to reach net zero. “As we work to decarbonize, forests are one of the greatest tools. If we were to lose that tool, it means we will contribute that much more in emissions,” Riley said.
1. What does the underlined word “exacerbate” in paragraph 1 probably mean?A.Address. | B.Measure. | C.Relieve. | D.Worsen. |
A.The impact of rising global temperatures on forests. |
B.The reasons for forests’ declining ability to absorb carbon. |
C.The key role of forests in the ecosystem. |
D.The consequences of frequent natural disasters. |
A.Planting younger trees on a large scale. | B.Limiting the exploitation of forest resources. |
C.Reducing fossil fuel emissions. | D.Dealing with decaying trees in time. |
A.To show the carbon emissions from coal power plants. |
B.To stress the significance of forest protection. |
C.To offer suggestions on forest management. |
D.To present the efforts made to reach net zero. |
4 . When you picture doing a science project, you might imagine looking through a microscope or building a model volcano. But science projects can be done anywhere. Many teens get inspired from playing musical instruments to doing gymnastics. All it takes to transform your favorite activities into a science project is identifying a problem you want to solve.
Elizabeth, 14, who is in seventh grade at Davis Drive Middle School in Cary, N. C, designed a program. Her method is based on the golden ratio (比例). This ratio is often used to create pleasing parts in artworks. The ratio also appears in nature. Elizabeth’s data storage strategy helps computers write data evenly (均匀地) across memory devices. This could help such devices last longer.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve been an artistic person,” Elizabeth says, “In fourth grade, my art teacher taught us about the golden ratio. And at that point it was just, you know, something to use when we were painting.” But last year, Elizabeth had to replace the memory in her own computer, thinking the golden ratio might work in information storage, too. Elizabeth tested her golden-ratio technique by running programs on a computer.
But before this project, Elizabeth had no coding experience. To prepare, she spent months reading a textbook on how to code. She says, “It wasn’t like an ‘ah-ha’ moment. Writing programs is such a boring process. But it was just exciting to explore and see the computer actually just doing stuff that I told it to do after those hours.”
“Don’t limit yourself,” Elizabeth adds, “One of the biggest challenges you face is changing your mindset. I never thought that science or computer science would be my kind of thing, but after learning a bit about programming, I found that it was actually a new way to express myself. Words, painting, now programming.”
1. What can we learn about science projects according to this passage?A.They can come from different hobbies. | B.They will inspire teens to find solutions. |
C.They need skills in building models. | D.They may involve great imagination. |
A.Strengthening memories. | B.Storing information. |
C.Creating fine works. | D.Protecting nature. |
A.Imagination is the source of creation. | B.Laugh it off when facing difficulties. |
C.Well begun is half done. | D.Every effort will pay off. |
A.Expressing doubts. | B.Making promises. |
C.Offering advice. | D.Giving response. |
5 . In a small village there lived a lazy Brahmin Ramdas. He would do nothing but daydream all day. One sunny afternoon, Ramdas was very
“It is this pot of milk that is going to make me
“How
Deep in his
Laziness is the biggest
A.hungry | B.angry | C.sick | D.curious |
A.sell | B.beat | C.beg | D.entertain |
A.money | B.soup | C.water | D.milk |
A.rich | B.happy | C.famous | D.strange |
A.lucky | B.able | C.interested | D.particular |
A.road | B.hotel | C.market | D.shop |
A.changed | B.continued | C.paused | D.stopped |
A.kids | B.huts | C.arguments | D.wounds |
A.generous | B.handsome | C.brave | D.smart |
A.bathe | B.exercise | C.sweep | D.surf |
A.ideas | B.opinions | C.thoughts | D.expressions |
A.heart | B.pot | C.toe | D.goal |
A.sadness | B.laziness | C.carelessness | D.anxiety |
A.success | B.aim | C.partner | D.enemy |
A.robber | B.thief | C.murderer | D.visitor |
6 . A phrase “less screen time and more green time” is popular now. A study from the University of Adelaide found that more time outside and less time spent watching TV is connected with better psychological (心理的) results and school achievements among teenagers. Gardening is a great way to do so.
Jim Carter, a psychologist of America, is asking for teenagers’ return to traditional values of gardening, and thinks that they need to turn off the TV and go outside to do something healthier instead. Carter even considers it important to put gardening as a usual course because it is proven to be good for mental health.
“It’s physical exercise, and it teaches patience,” Carter explains. “The wait for a small sunflower seed (葵花籽) to become a six-foot plant is long.”
“I’m hearing that teenagers are struggling to deal with stress, and every time they open Gardeners’ World, they talk about how gardening helps them deal with stress. They learn so much about life, and so much about themselves through gardening,” said Lee Connelly, a teacher who is carrying out his own green school programme—Gardeners’ World. “The join of gardening into the class course for schools presents a remarkable chance to change education and the benefits are far beyond the classroom, influencing mental health, behavior and developing a lifelong love for horticulture (园艺).”
1. What does Carter suggest teenagers do?A.Do exercise at home. | B.Go back to gardening. |
C.Turn on the TV at night. | D.Pay attention to psychological courses. |
A.To prove gardening is easy. | B.To say dealing with stress is difficult. |
C.To show green time is hard to find. | D.To explain gardening develops patience. |
A.It is meaningful. | B.It is useless. | C.It is costly. | D.It is challenging. |
A.Time to Get Close to TV |
B.Being Sporty, Being Healthy |
C.Less Screen Time, Better School Achievements |
D.Gardening: A Good Green Moment for Teenagers |
7 . Lou, a 20-year-old mathematician (数学家) with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) (脊肌萎缩症), is studying at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
He had SMA when he was born. He has had to deal with large physical challenges since he was a baby. This disease takes away his ability to walk, eat, or use the restroom without help. In the past two decades of his life, he has gone through several operations. However, these struggles can’t stop him from enjoying freedom in the field of math.
He loved math when he was a fourth-grader. He was always addicted to many questions like “Why could we prove anything meaningful in math? Why could we make predictions (预言) about the world through math?” These endless questions made him win a few successes. In the fifth grade, he scored in the top one percent on the AMC 10, a competition for students at senior high school. He also won a gold medal at the World Mathematic s Team Championship.
Now, he is a mathematician. He said, “It is clear to me that math isn’t only about numbers. Rather, it is the very language of the world itself. And it is the language that has allowed me to go beyond the physical limitations of my body.” As time goes by, his body weakens, but his enthusiasm for understanding the world through math has only deepened. He always believes that no matter how bad life may seem, there is always something one can do, and succeed at it.
1. How does the disease SMA affect Lou?A.He becomes angry easily. | B.He is unwilling to make friends. |
C.He has to face physical challenges. | D.He has lost the ability to communicate. |
A.His friends’ help. | B.A book from his teacher. |
C.His question-filled mind. | D.The strict requirements from his parents. |
A.Chance. | B.Reason. | C.Excuse. | D.Love. |
A.Positive. | B.Worried. | C.Unclear. | D.Doubtful. |
8 . How to Plan a Panda Tour
There are many places to see lovely giant pandas in China. But the four panda bases around Chengdu are the best places to see giant pandas. Which one is best for you depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you want to have.
If you just want to see giant pandas, we recommend you go to Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Base. You can see pandas at all different ages from the oldest to the newborns. This base is huge but usually crowded. You can finish your trip in one day.
If you want a deeper panda experience, there are three recommended activities.
Join in a Panda Volunteer Program
Giant panda volunteer programs are available in three panda bases. Dujiangyan is the best place for a one-day program. If you want a less crowded environment, consider Wolong and Bifengxia, though they require 2 and 3 days respectively. Your work would include weighing and cleaning bamboo, making cakes for pandas, watching pandas being fed, and cleaning pandas’ enclosures (围栏).
Join in a Red Panda Volunteer Program
Unlike with giant pandas, you can have a zero-distance encounter with red pandas—you can feed a group of them without a fence in between. If you are interested in red pandas, you can join in our red panda volunteer program.
Hike Into the Habitat of Wild Pandas
If you are a lover of pandas and outdoor activity as well, consider having a hike in wild panda habitat in Wolong. Go panda tracking, and see if you will be lucky enough to see a wild panda.
1. What is recommended for just a look at pandas?A.Getting involved in a panda volunteer program. |
B.Visiting Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Base. |
C.Hiking into the habitat of wild pandas. |
D.Joining in a red panda volunteer program. |
A.Help prepare food for pandas. | B.Feed pandas personally. |
C.Give pandas a bath. | D.Enjoy delicious cakes. |
A.Seeing the beauty of Dujiangyan. | B.Learning to set up pandas’ enclosures. |
C.Encountering a wild panda. | D.Playing with red pandas. |
9 . My family always had some sort of animal around, but none of them were truly mine. My parents didn’t permit me to
Every Friday I would clean out his bowl. I found myself
One day, I came home from school and headed to my room to
My mom walked into my room. I turned around as tears started to well in my eyes. “Mommy, George d…d…died.” With that
Suddenly, I realized that George hadn’t just
A.draw | B.imagine | C.have | D.share |
A.doubtful | B.excited | C.surprised | D.afraid |
A.toy | B.mind | C.time | D.pet |
A.take care of | B.make use of | C.get hold of | D.look forward to |
A.reading out | B.putting away | C.turning down | D.showing off |
A.replaced | B.recognized | C.affected | D.needed |
A.feed | B.save | C.impress | D.find |
A.basic | B.terrible | C.funny | D.familiar |
A.dropped | B.emptied | C.hid | D.checked |
A.common | B.last | C.extra | D.new |
A.left | B.reminded | C.defeated | D.chosen |
A.preference | B.independence | C.difficulty | D.responsibility |
A.safe | B.good | C.sorry | D.tired |
A.agreement | B.treatment | C.disappointment | D.achievement |
A.Otherwise | B.Besides | C.However | D.Therefore |
10 . 400 million tons of plastic are generated annually, most of which comes from single-use plastic While countries are making progress in reducing this waste through paper bags and straws, there are still applications where the properties of plastic are necessary.
Transparent (透明的) wood is an alternative for such applications and is highly preferred since it prevents the harm of petroleum-derived (石油衍生的) plastic products. German scientist Siegfried Fink first created transparent wood in the year 1992, and over the past three decades it has been significantly improved by other researchers as well.
In its natural form, wood is not transparent. However, researchers have found that removing lignin, a naturally occurring biopolymer that provides structural support for the plant tissue, can make it transparent. To do so, the wood is soaked in a warm solution consisting of multiple chemicals, followed by boiling it in another solution. This removes the lignin completely and turns the wood white. However, the space that was occupied by lignin needs to be filled up to maintain structural integrity. This process is done by using a resin (树脂) at a temperature of 185 Fahrenheit (85℃).
The final product can have as much as 90 transparency, and it doesn’t break easily. More importantly, it is more biodegradable than glass or plastic.
While transparent wood isn’t commercial yet, it has been employed in a wide variety of applications ranging from construction to energy storage, making flexible electronics and packaging.
The researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT) conducted a life-cycle analysis (LCA) of transparent wood to determine the environmental impact of its production and end-of-life (EOL) cycle. The study found that using hydrogen peroxide for delignification, followed by using epoxy for infiltration, was the most eco-friendly. When scaled up for industrial production, the former method would lower electricity consumption by as much as 98. 8 percent.
EOL analysis showed that transparent wood had a reduced ecological impact compared to polyethylene (聚乙烯), paving the way for it to be commercially adapted to replace the petroleum-based material.
1. Why is transparent wood preferred compared to plastic?A.It is easier to make. | B.It is environmentally friendly. |
C.It can be used longer. | D.It can be used repeatedly. |
A.The natural form of wood. | B.The importance of chemicals. |
C.How transparent wood is made. | D.How lignin keeps wood strong. |
A.It can be recycled. |
B.It will replace plastic soon. |
C.The most eco-friendly way to produce it. |
D.Potential damage caused by it to the environment. |
A.Promising. | B.Difficult. | C.Profitable. | D.Uncertain. |