1 . 2024 Western Colorado Elementary Science Fair

EUREKA! and D51 are partnering to host our annual elementary (小学的) science fair! Here’s your chance to apply your love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by conducting your own scientific investigation.

Participation is open to all 3-5^th graders living in Wester Colorado, and students can either enter as an individual or as a team of no more than 3 members. Judging will be based on grade, and a team composed of students from multiple grades will be judged in the grade category of the oldest participant’s grade.

Project Submission

All participants must complete all of the following by March 7, 2024:

●Complete the registration form (one per team)

●Create a display poster (either physical or electronic) summarizing their project and email the file or a clear photo of it to the science fair committee

● Create a video presentation (less than 5 minutes) explaining their project to the judges, and submit it to the science fair committee

Public Viewing

Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Location: EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum

Participants can display their posters and present their projects to the public (optional) .

Safety Regulations

It is important to wear proper protective gear (装备) when necessary in addition to disposing of (处理) waste properly when conducting a scientific investigation. We strongly recommend that guardians look up and study Safety Data Sheets for any chemicals that their students use and have responsibility for not allowing students to experiment with dangerous chemicals. EUREKA! holds the right to not display projects if they believe the components break our safety regulations.

1. What is an entry requirement for the science fair?

A．A team must consist of three members.

B．A team must be led by-the oldest participant.

C．All participants must be from Western Colorado.

D．Teams must be formed by students in the same grade.

2. What are participants required to do by the submission date?

A．Submit a display poster.	B．Video the investigation process.
C．Present their project to the public.	D．Fill in the registration form individually.

3. Which of the following will result in your project not being displayed?

A．Disposing of waste improperly.

B．Performing experiments without a guardian.

C．Involving harmful chemicals in your project.

D．Conducting your investigation without protective gear.

2 . The Arab Republic of Egypt covers a land area of approximately 1 million km², with an estimated 106 million people, Egypt accounts for one-fourth of the Arab world’s population. Egypt has long been considered the cradle of civilization and may be the oldest tourist destination on earth.

Cairo

A typical visit to Egypt includes arrival in the capital city of Cairo, one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East, with a population of approximately 22 million. Cairo today is a modern, international mix of Arab, African, and European influences. Travelers generally spend at least a few days in Cairo seeing the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Pyramids at Giza.

Upper Nile River

Most travelers include an Upper Nile River cruise as part of their schedule. Egypt is a beach destination, with thousands of miles of Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines. Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city is located on the Mediterranean Sea and has a string of beaches and seafood restaurants. For a truly relaxing beach vacation, travelers can visit one of the many resorts along the North Coast referred to as “Sahel”.

Red Sea coast

Egypt’s Red Sea coast has reefs offshore, with diving and snorkeling traditionally centered in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Visits to Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery in the mountainous interior are popular destinations, especially with religious pilgrims. Adventure travelers favor desert jeep safaris and camel treks to remote oases and spectacular wadis.

1. What do we know about Egypt?

A．Egypt makes up 25% of the world’s population.

B．Cairo today is a mix of modern and traditional elements.

C．Visitors can enjoy their beach vacations in Cairo.

D．Egypt has been considered as the oldest tourist destination.

2. Which place is most attractive to people with religious faith?

A．Mediterranean.	B．Alexandria.
C．Sharm El Sheikh.	D．Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

3. This text is most likely taken from ______.

A．A travel guide.	B．A geography book.
C．An Egyptian newspaper.	D．A historical magazine.

3 . Dear readers,

“Persist.” — Viet Thanh Nguyen

“Success is no accident.” — Chris Bohjalian

“Keep writing and it’ll get easier.” — Lisa Jewell

“Be patient with yourself.” — Min Jin Lee

These are words of advice taken from our interviews with award-winning and bestselling authors. Notice, though, not a single mention of their status, prizes, or advances—in other words, their success. And while status, literary awards, and money can be indicators of a successful writer, one must actually sit down and write for any of those things to happen. That’s what all of these pieces of advice have in common: putting words on the page.

In this issue, you’ll find articles to help you succeed, no matter your goals. If it’s to figure out whether that mess of a novel you’ve got sitting in a drawer can be rescued or if you need to move on, Andromeda Romano’s article will offer questions to ask yourself. Michael La Ronn’s essay will give you an example of how an unexpected opportunity might be just the push you need. Or, if you’ve had trouble finding an agent, Ryan Van Cleave’s collection of tips and advice from 22 literary agents on every aspect of the business might change your luck. Matty Dalrymple shares ways to reach more readers and build a community with them.

Wish you success and happy new year!

1. The advice mentioned at the beginning highlights the importance of ______.

A．a big dream

B．constant practice

C．earning money

D．achieving success

2. Whose article may help those who are unsure whether to save an unsuccessful novel?

A．Matty Dalrympl.	B．Michael La Ronn.
C．Ryan Van Cleave.	D．Andromeda Romano.

3. Who might be the target readers of this issue?

A．Writers.

B．Businessmen.

C．Booksellers.

D．Literary agents.

4 . Sometimes we only appreciate something when we realize we may lose it. That is the story of the Everglades. A shallow slow-moving river, the Everglades once covered about 18,000 square miles of southern Florida. Until the 1900s, few people lived in the grassy wetlands. Not much was understood about the unique balance of nature that existed there. Plants, creatures, and water had formed a remarkable ecosystem.

By the early 1900s, Florida’s pleasant winters attracted more people. Visitors became new permanent residents. They built homes and roads. The conditions looked good for farming, so the newcomers planted large agricultural crops. But South Florida’s cycle of flooding was a problem. To address that, developers attempted to drain (排水) the land. They also built structures to control water levels and flow.

Those changes made it easier for more people to live year-round in South Florida. However, they also disturbed life in the Everglades, which depends on freshwater regularly refilling the land. The area’s growing human population needed freshwater. And large farms consumed large quantities of freshwater. By the mid-1900s, water levels in southern Florida began to go down. Lack of freshwater wasn’t the only problem. As more and more land was developed for people and farms, the Everglades’ historic boundaries contracted. Loss of habitat and hunting threatened the survival of native species in the Everglades.

Some people hoped that the government’s recognition might save the Everglades. They fought for it. Everglades National Park was established in 1947. It became the first park in the United States created for its biodiversity.

Now, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres along the southern tip of Florida. An amazing variety of creatures live there. About 360 different species of birds have been sighted in the park. Nearly 300 different species of fish have been identified. About 40 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles inhabit the park. Nature still rules in the Everglades, a place worth understanding, appreciating, and protecting.

1. What was the Everglades like before the 1900s?

A．Naturally wild.	B．Partly explored.
C．Completely lifeless.	D．Thickly populated.

2. What problem did new residents cause for the Everglades?

A．A cycle of flooding.

B．Pollution of freshwater.

C．Possible extinction of native species.

D．The extension of historic boundaries.

3. Why are the figures mentioned in the last paragraph?

A．To attract visitors to the park.

B．To stress the great power of nature.

C．To call for more efforts to protect nature.

D．To show the successful conservation of the park.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．How people adapted to life in the Everglades.

B．How Everglades National Park was established.

C．How humans harmed and saved the Everglades.

D．How the ecosystem of the Everglades was formed.

5 . The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration（ETA）supports a wide variety of programs to ensure that all youth have the skills and training they need to successfully make the switch to adulthood and careers. These programs include:

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Applicants for apprenticeship programs must be at least 16 years old and meet the program sponsor's qualifications.

YouthBuild

YouthBuild programs give at-risk youth ages 16-24 the opportunity to transform their lives by earning their high school certificate of graduation or an equally state-recognized degree, learning to be community leaders, and preparing for college and other post-secondary training opportunities.

Job Corps

Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential, education, and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16 through 24. Private companies, state agencies, federal agencies, and unions recruit young people to participate in Job Corps, where they can train for and be placed in jobs.

Youth Connections

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act（WIOA）of 2014 is carrying out a comprehensive youth employment program for serving qualified youth, ages 14-24, who face barriers to education, training, and employment.

For more information about youth programs, visit ETA's Division of Youth Services page.

1. What can participants do in the YouthBuild?

A．Obtain a graduation certificate.	B．Lead the state communities.
C．Prepare for secondary training.	D．Study theories of skilled work.

2. Which program is suitable for teenagers aged 15?

A．YouthBuild.	B．Youth Connections.
C．Job Corps.	D．Apprenticeship.

3. What is the author's purpose of writing the text?

A．To improve youth training.	B．To advertise for youth services.
C．To transform youth development.	D．To introduce ETA youth programs.

6 . Whether you are a lifelong bookworm or are trying to develop a love for reading in your kids, the 2024 Miami Book Fair is for you.

• When and Where Is the Fair?

This much-loved South Florida event will be held from May 12 to 18, 2024 at the MDC Wolfson Campus Plaza in Downtown Miami.

• What to Expect at the Fair?

This year, the fair will feature more than 400 celebrated authors from around the world. There will be a rich collection of writers and their works of almost every type under the sun. Readers can not only explore arts and crafts, but also experience face painting and book giveaways. For green writers, it’s a place to connect with their favorite editors. For book lovers, it’s an opportunity to get autographs (亲笔签名) from many popular authors and ask them some questions. During this week-long book feast, you will find a group of events running from morning to night.   

• How Much Does the Fair Cost?

On Friday. the fair is free. On Saturday or Sunday, it is 10 for an adult for one day, or you can get a two-day pass for $15. Kids under age 12 can attend for free and the kid aged 13-18 is $5 per day.

So mark your calendars, head to Downtown Miami, and enjoy yourself in the heart of the city’s literary scene.

1. What can visitors do at the fair?

A．Donate used books.	B．Explore Downtown Miami.
C．Enjoy a dinner party.	D．Interact with popular authors.

2. How much should a couple with two kids under 12 pay for the Sunday fair?

A．$ 30.

B．$25.

C．$ 20.

D．$ 15.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To advertise a fair.	B．To raise money.
C．To introduce a city.	D．To recommend books.

7 . These days, tourism is back in full swing. An increasing number of people prefer to take a break from big city life and start exploring those harder-to-reach towns.

Paraty, Brazil

Paray is a bays de town halfway between Rio and Sao Paulo. Here, life moves at the pace of a horse-and-cart moving across the road (no cars allowed in the historic Old Town). The boats in the harbor are not just there to look good. Pick your favorite and set sail for a deserted island beach nearby.

Avignon, France

One of the most recognizable historic towns is found in the south-eastern part of France. The Palace of the Popes here defines the city and is the city and is visible from a far. It once housed Europe’s largest library, and became a hotbed for thinkers, philosophers, composers, and musicians. Now it is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Four million tourists visit Avignon every year to explore the ancient architecture.

Sakrisoy and Reine, Norway

This pair of tiny finishing villages sit far, far north. Admittedly, they are a bit of pain to reach: The long (but beautiful!) journey there will require some combination of one or two fights, a bus or a boat. If you can make it that far, though, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most impressive scenery on Earth. Look out across the mountains from the hike or enjoy the Northern Lights.

Old San Juan, US

The oldest settlement in the country was founded in the early 16th century. Today everything here is colorful: the houses differ in color and style and even the pavements are made of the blue bricks, making it a very attractive and amusing place.

1. What can visitors do in Avignon, France?

A．Take a boat trip.

B．Enjoy the Northern Lights.

C．Admire ancient architecture.

D．Explore the largest library in the world.

2. Which destination is the least convenient to reach?

A．Paraty, Brazil.	B．Avignon, France.
C．Sakrisoy and Reine, Norway.	D．Old San Juan, US.

3. Where can the text most probably be found?

A．In a wellness book.	B．In a travel magazine.
C．In an adventure guide.	D．In a geography textbook.

8 . ABCmouse

ABCmouse is one of the most well-known learn to read apps for children. With its expert-made curriculum, the program offers endless hours of content for children aged 2 to 8. The interactive app offers thousands of activities to help develop this essential skill, with lessons that expose students to math, arts, and science at age-appropriate levels too. The cost after free trial is around $15 per month. Families who purchase a full year’s subscription can get about 70% off the price.

Homer

Homer provides a personalized learning path for children aged 2 to 8. Children will learn reading, math, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Instead of a one-size-fits-most approach, Homer customizes learning plans and allows students to take the lead in deciding what they want to work on. The price point is in line with similar apps at about $5 per month after a free trial, or roughly $60 for a full year or $100 for lifetime access.

Hooked on Phonics

Hooked on Phonics is an exceptional tool for homeschoolers, with a wide range of lessons, games, and fun activities. It is one of the most popular brands for teaching kids to read, and its integrated system makes it an ideal option for homeschooling students. Children are introduced to each new concept through a series of fun activities, videos, and even songs. The system is a little bit pricier than other apps, at about $16 per month after a trial month for roughly $1.

FarFaria

FarFaria invites children to join in on a magic al adventure that includes island hopping and the choice between reading the story or having it narrated completely with fun, magical animation. While the free membership offers one story a day, paid subscribers unlock access to unlimited adventures at roughly $8 per month. Readers can either read the books themselves or take advantage of the “read to me” option to have stories read aloud by professional narrators.

1. For an annual subscription to ABCmouse, how much does a family need to pay?

A．$54.

B．$105.

C．$126.

D．$180.

2. Which app best suits children who are taught at home?

A．ABCmouse.	B．Homer.
C．Hooked on Phonics.	D．FarFaria.

3. Which section of newspaper is this text probably taken from?

A．Finance.

B．Science.

C．Culture.

D．Education.

9 . Many people dream of the moment when they will walk across their college graduation stage to accept the diploma (毕业证书), which they’ve worked so hard for. And in Alfonso Gonzales’ case, that moment was extra ________. Although at the age of 96, Gonzales ________, not walked, across the stage, the moment was still everything he ________.As the entire crowd of staff, students and teachers erupted into ________, Gonzales raised his hand in ________ with a childlike smile that lit up the entire room.

It took Gonzales six ________ to complete the degree he started out to finish. Actually he first started towards his ________ as a zoology student in 1947. Later, however, ________ became the center of attention and he began working with his brothers, so he never made time to actually attend his school’s ________ ceremony. Years later, when his niece tried to pick up the diploma for him, the family was ________ to learn that he was actually one credit short of graduation! The school, in response (作为回应), ________ a one-credit course just for Gonzales so he could ________ his degree. “I did this for my family,” Gonzales said onstage at the graduation ceremony. “I did this to ________ them to hold on to their dreams.”

Gonzales earned his college degree from USC in 2007, making him the school’s ________ graduate. And after all that hard work, the new college graduate in the wheelchair had only one big ________ after the ceremony: “I’m going to take a rest” he joked, “and I would like to say that’s a well-deserved rest.”

1.

A．special

B．awkward

C．interesting

D．confusing

2.

A．slid

B．wheeled

C．jogged

D．jumped

3.

A．stood for

B．answered for

C．hoped for

D．looked for

4.

A．laughter

B．tears

C．speech

D．cheers

5.

A．victory

B．sight

C．advance

D．place

6.

A．years

B．decades

C．times

D．months

7.

A．course

B．duty

C．degree

D．role

8.

A．living

B．safety

C．health

D．education

9.

A．opening

B．signing

C．graduation

D．awards

10.

A．pleased

B．nervous

C．angry

D．surprised

11.

A．took

B．created

C．taught

D．improved

12.

A．finish

B．keep

C．save

D．present

13.

A．prepare

B．inspire

C．invite

D．force

14.

A．best

B．latest

C．hardest

D．oldest

15.

A．plan

B．regret

C．gift

D．semester

10 . I finally climbed into bed at 1: 20 in the morning. My friends had helped me celebrate my 31st birthday in the basement apartment, where I lived.

Earlier in the day I had prepared for the unlikely event of a flood. We are about a third of a mile from the banks of the Ahr River. It had been raining buckets that week and the government had sent out a flood warning, though not for where I was. Still, I’d placed sandbags on the floor outside my garden door and put electronics on tables. “Silly bro!” My friends laughed at me for doing that, but I thought, why take a chance?

As I drifted off to sleep, I was awakened by the sound of rushing water, as if I were lying beside a waterfall. When I got off the bed, I was shocked that cold water was rising fast. In darkness, I grabbed my cellphone and turned on the flashlight. When I stepped out of the bedroom, I saw water shooting through the gaps of the door.

I began to panic. I knew I had to get out—fast! In bare feet, I started to make my way to the only escape: the door that led upstairs to the main floor. Finally I made it to the door and tried several times to-pull it open even just a little bit, but the rushing water shut it again. I looked around for anything I could use to keep it open. There in the corner was a coat rack (架子). I took it and, once again, opened the door, throwing the coat rack between the door and the frame (门框) to keep the door from shutting. Finally, I managed to make a gap just wide enough to squeeze (挤) through and make it into the hallway.

I leaped on to the stairs and ran outside. I stood there in the darkness, wet through. What was once a lovely street was now a waterscape, with floating ruins instead of people and cars. The river had drowned (淹没) the neighborhood!

1. What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 2imply?

A．Better safe than sorry.

B．It never rains but it pours.

C．A lost chance never returns.

D．A friend in need is a friend indeed.

2. What was the author doing when water flooded in?

A．Celebrating his birthday.

B．Sleeping in the basement.

C．Placing sandbags by the door.

D．Playing with electronic devices.

3. Which of the following might be the most difficult for the author during the escape?

A．Making his way to the door.

B．Finding a coat rack.

C．Keeping the door from shutting.

D．Squeezing through the gap.

4. How did the author feel when standing on the street?

A．Sad and shocked.

B．Annoyed and anxious.

C．Surprised and disappointed.

D．Puzzled and awkward.