3 . The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has fossils from all over the world, and yet many come from the areas surrounding the museum itself. Here, we make a list of fossil hotspots.

Calvert Cliffs State Park—Lusby, Maryland

One location where you can have access to the cliffs is at Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby, Maryland. Just a 1.8-mile walk from the parking lot, you can make a thorough search of the open beach with a small tool for remnants(遗迹) of prehistoric sea life.

Stratford Hall—Stratford, Virginia

About 17 million years earlier, during the Miocene era, the Stratford Hall’s 150-foot-high cliffs were actually part of the seafloor. Due to irresponsible fossil hunting practices, however, visitors must buy tickets (＄8 for adults and＄5 for kids) to enter the 100-yard-long collecting area. The Stratford Hall still offers guided tours that are typically about four hours long.

Purse State Park—Nanjemoy, Maryland

Just over an hour’s drive south of Washington, D. C, Purse State Park is located on a stretch of the banks of the Potomac River called Wades Bay. Most of the fossils you’ll find at this site are from the late Paleocene—specifically the Aquia Formation rock layer, which is 55 to 59 million years old. Look at the small stones carefully, in which the teeth of a wide variety of sharks and bony fish species can be found.

Dinosaur Park—Laurel, Maryland

Dinosaur Park usually serves as an outdoor laboratory, where the public can work alongside paleontologists(古生物学家). Hundreds of fossils discovered by visitors have been collected and catalogued(记载) to date, increasing our knowledge about ancient ecosystem that once existed there.

1. How much should a family of two adults and a kid pay to visit the 100-yard-long collecting area?

A．＄13.

B．＄18.

C．＄21.

D．＄24.

2. Where can visitors find many shark teeth?

A．At Calvert Cliffs State Park.	B．At Purse State Park.
C．At Stratford Hall.	D．At Dinosaur Park.

3. The fossils discovered at Dinosaur Park___________.

A．make people figure out their history clearly

B．help people learn about the ancient ecosystem

C．let people better know the present and the future

D．draw people’s attention to the outdoor laboratory

4 . NASA Student Competitions

NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

Teams of high school and college students are challenged to design and build a human-powered vehicle to travel across the simulated(模拟的) surface of another world. The course includes 14 roadblocks and 5 tasks, and teams must successfully follow NASA instructions. Each U.S. school may enter up to two teams. For international entries, no more than four teams from each country will be accepted.

International Team Registration Deadline: July 12

U.S. Team Registration Deadline: August 16

NASA Lunabotics Competition

Lunabotics challenges teams to design, build and run their autonomously operated robot, travel through simulated off-world areas and dig the simulated lunar soil. This challenge includes presentations and demonstrations, and a systems engineering paper explaining the methodology the team uses to design and build their robot.

Registration Deadline: July 18

NASA SUITS Design Challenge

NASA Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students (SUITS) gives students an authentic engineering design experience supporting NASA’s Artemis mission—landing American astronauts safely on the Moon by 2024! This activity challenges students to design and create spacesuit information displays within AR environments.

Proposal Deadline: July 25

2020 BIG Idea Challenge

NASA’s 2020 Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-changing (BIG) Idea Challenge is open to teams of 5 to 20 students. Teams are challenged to submit proposals for sample lunar payloads(有效载荷) that demonstrate technology systems needed for exploration and science in the permanently shadowed regions in and near the Moon’s polar regions. Selected teams will receive awards from $50,000 to $180,000 to bring their ideas to life!

Entry Deadline: August 16

1. John, a student who is good at designing vehicles, can enter______________.

A．2020 BIG Idea Challenge	B．NASA Lunabotics Competition
C．NASA SUITS Design Challenge	D．NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

2. What does NASA Lunabotics Competition require of participants?

A．They need to finish building their robot on July 18.

B．They have to complete a course of 5 tasks.

C．They need to create their own simulated environments.

D．They should write a paper showing how they build their robot.

3. Which of the following statements about the last two competitions is true?

A．They both require submitting proposals before August.

B．They both ask participants to bring their ideas to life.

C．They are both preparations for Moon exploration.

D．Both of them will present winners with big awards.

5 . If you’re in an area with poor air quality levels, or if an infectious illness has been going around, wearing an N95 face mask is a great way to protect your lungs and overall health.

Why to choose N95 face mask

N95 face masks are a great choice for protecting your lungs from dry particles（颗粒） in the air, which could include dust, or biological viruses. You can wear one when there’s been a flu outbreak in your area, or if pollutants or a fire has made air quality poor. These masks are made of structured, lightweight foam and fit over your nose and mouth.

How to choose N95 face mask

Depending on the particular N95 mask you choose, available sizes range from extra small and small to medium and large. If possible, try on a couple of sizes before you purchase one. Make sure the mask feels right and doesn’t slip on your face.

Store your masks correctly

Face masks tend to have large market in demand and sell out fast during certain times, such as during an outbreak of an infectious illness or when a region experiences intense pollution. Be always prepared by having some on hand for you and each of your family members. You can click the link below to purchase some. It’s necessary for you to have 2-3 masks per family member.

1. Which item can’t be prevented by N95 mask？

A．flu viruses	B．damp air particles
C．dust particles	D．fire smoke

2. When you prepare to buy masks, you need to______ .

A．choose right-sized masks for yourself

B．make masks move fluently on face

C．choose same-sized masks for families

D．buy different-sized masks for yourself

3. Where can you find this passage?

A．fashion magazine	B．grocery leaflet
C．online shopping mall	D．outdoor advertisement

6 . The following "green" hotels from across the world offer guests an eco-friendly and world-class holiday experience.

Hi Hotel, Nice, France

Offering a private beach and rooftop pool, the Hi Hotel Eco Spa Beach has received Green Globe certification for using recycled paper, organic(有机的)paint, eco-friendly cleaning products and organic food.

Garonga Safari Camp, Phalaborwa, South Africa

A high-class 12-bed camp in South Africa, the hotel supports the local community. Locals are offered employment opportunities, with potential for career development, while food and goods are sourced locally where possible. Additionally, guests are invited to offset their carbon footprint by helping with the planting and growing of Spesbok Trees in the Eastern Cape.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa combines environment and modern design to offer guests the luxurious experience. Various parts of the hotel are built over the water in the Indian Ocean in order to reduce interference(干扰)with the natural environment.

The Park Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India

Located within a 10-minute car ride from the centre of Hyderabad. The Park Hyderaba's exterior(外部)makes full use of natural light, reducing the need for electricity. Green transportation, bikes and electric cars, is encouraged.

Spice Island Beach Resort, St. George's，Grenada

Owned and run by Sir Royston Hopkin and his family, Spice Island Beach Resort is a luxurious destination for guests hoping to bathe in the natural beauty of the Isle of Spice. It uses solar heating and all forms of energy conservation. Smoking of any kind is forbidden in the areas or the hotel.

1. What's special about Hi Hotel?

A．It puts a ban on cars.

B．It provides green food.

C．It encourages guests to plant trees.

D．It offers employment opportunities to the locals.

2. How does Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa protect the environment?

A．It is partly built over the sea.	B．It has simply-decorated rooms.
C．It makes full use of natural light.	D．It uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

3. Which hotel bans smoking?

A．Hi Hotel.	B．The Park Hyderabad.
C．Garonga Safari Camp.	D．Spice Island Beach Resort.

7 . Chester is one of the best cities in the UK. As soon as you arrive in Chester you will appreciate the city’s unique atmosphere and sense of history. Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, much of the Roman influence remains and Chester’s city walls are the most complete in Britain. Combined with history and heritage(遗产), Chester is a dynamic city full of bars, pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants for you to discover, tempting you to visit again and again.

Travelling to Chester?

Chester is easily accessible by many means of transport — whether you are travelling by rail, car, bus or plane. Please check our route planner below to help you plan your journey to Chester. Once you arrive in the city there are numerous car parks; however, during rush hours the easiest way to travel in Chester city centre is via park and ride facilities, which are parking lots with public transportation.

Hotels?

From bed & breakfasts to the luxury of Chester’s only five star hotel, Chester has all covered. Whether your trip is for business or pleasure your room is just a click away!

Sightseeing and Tours?

One of the best ways to see Chester is by a guided tour and you have a variety to choose from. Whether you choose the traditional guided walk, to be guided around Chester’s historical landmarks by bus or to take a boat down the River Dee, you will sure enjoy the delights of Chester.

1. What can we know about Chester from the first paragraph?

A．It is a newly built city.

B．It is the best city in the UK.

C．It is rich in the deep culture and modern touch.

D．Many of its city walls were completed by British people.

2. What is the most convenient way to get around Chester city centre during rush hours?

A．By bus.	B．By bicycle.
C．By rail.	D．By taxi.

3. What had you better do to have a better understanding of Chester?

A．Choose a bus tour.	B．Join a guided tour.
C．Take a traditional walk.	D．Swim down the river.

8 . Where Is Spring Break

Where is Spring Break going to be? The options are endless. Do you want to get your blood pumping from thrilling travels? Look no further! These tours and destinations will keep you on your toes all week long.

Panama: This underrated destination is a little-known secret of the most travelers! Through this tour you’ll get to hike, snorkel (浮潜) and explore all the best sights this beautiful country has to offer! Eight days tours for $ 250 / day.

Canada: This diverse country is full of options. Explore the East of Canada and visit cities such as Montreal, Quebec or Toronto. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the Western part of the country with a Canadian Rockies Tour. During this twelve days tour you will hike a glacier to beautiful scenery and wander through postcard-worthy villages. Tours to Canada for $200 / day.

Iceland: Check off one of the seven wonders of the world with a tour of the Northern Lights and Golden Circle. Spend seven days full of adventure like hiking glaciers, snowshoeing through Thingvellir National Park, relaxing in the Geysir Hot Springs and of course experiencing the glory of the Northern Lights! Seven days tours for $ 300 / day.

South Africa: Discover the diverse culture and wildlife that makes up South Africa. Your tour plan includes a journey along the coast known as “Rainbow Nation.” Here you will enjoy beautiful scenery, a hunting travel through Addo Elephant National Park and the wildlife in Tsitsikarnma National Park. Nine days tours for $230 / day.

1. What is the common characteristic of the travels mentioned in the text?

A．Exciting.	B．Risky.
C．Educational.	D．Environmental.

2. According to the text, Panama is a destination which        .

A．is not as famous as the other three

B．you can go to for enjoying surfing

C．offers an option to hike in the park

D．takes the most time of the four tours

3. Which destination costs tourists the most money?

A．Panama.	B．Canada.
C．Iceland.	D．South Africa.

4. What can be learned from the text?

A．Tourists can take a hot shower only in Iceland.

B．Tourists can hike glaciers in both Canada and Iceland.

C．Canada offers Rockies Tour for tourists to explore the East.

D．Tourists can enjoy a hunting travel through Tsitsikamma National Park.

9 . While beach vacations may be a great way to take your mind off work, lakes surrounded by mountains make for an even grander experience. If you are looking for come peace on your vacation, we have some recommendations for you in the Caucasus (高加索).

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is situated in the central part of Armenia, in the Gegharkumk province. It is the largest lake in Armenia, located 6,200ft above sea level. Along the lake shore, there are various accommodations such as resorts and hotels with plenty of activities to partake m such as windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing. While there, do not forget to visit one of the famous cultural monuments, the Sevanavank Monastery, and it offers a great view of the lake as well.

Lake Paravani

Lake Paravani, located at 6,801ft above sea level, is in the south of Georgia, near the Javakheti plateau. At this level, altitude sickness can occur and it is a good idea to be prepared to adapt to it properly, or bring medication for altitude sickness. Being a volcanic lake makes for a more interesting: experience. The lake is best known for fishing. Do not come home during the winter months when the lake freezes.

Lake Cildir

Lake Cildir is located in the Ardahan province. East Turkey, near the borders of Georgia and Armenia. It is the second largest freshwater lake of Eastern Turkey, and many tourists are not aware of this beautiful attraction. Lake Cildir is surrounded by mountains of the Caucasus. The lake freezes during late November. If the winter is not extremely cold, you can try some lake activities like ice skating and ice fishing.

Lake Van

Lake Van is the must visit of all lakes in this list. The largest lake in Turkey. Lake Van is located on the eastern shore of Turkey and is also the most accessible lake here. It’s situated at 5,380ft above sea level, and unique to lakes around the world, the water is high in salt content.

1. If you want to visit some historic sites during your travel by a lake, you can go to         .

A．Lake Cildir	B．Lake Parvani
C．Lake Sevan	D．Lake Van

2. What is special about Lake Van?

A．Its water is high in salt.	B．It is a volcanic lake.
C．It is globally the latest lake.	D．It is surrounded by mountains.

3. What challenge are travelers most likely to face while visiting Lake Paravani?

A．Lack of medicine.	B．Volcano eruptions.
C．Altitude sickness.	D．Low temperature all the year.