【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. bag [bag] (v.) – to acquire or get something desired
Example: Chelsea felt glad to bag the first place in the school's spelling competition.
2. storage [STAWR-ij, STOHR-] (n.) – a space for keeping any unused item
Example: James kept his old school uniforms in the storage.
3. pave the way [peyv th uh wey] (idiom) – to make the progress or development of something easier and faster
Example: Creative young minds could pave the way for scientific innovations.
4. handy [HAN-dee] (adj.) – useful or practical
Example: The extra battery came in handy when John’s cell phone died in the middle of a call.
5. enigmatic [en-ig-MAT-ik, ee-nig-] (adj.) – mysterious and hard to understand
Example: The scientist feels confused about the enigmatic natural phenomenon.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
An 18-year old high school student from California has bagged a Young Scientist Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for inventing a device that can recharge a cell phone in only 30 seconds.
Intel ISEF has awarded Eesha Khare and two other outstanding young inventors for their innovative creations and discoveries. According to Intel, more than 1,500 young scientists from around the globe participated in this year's fair, which was held at Phoenix [FEE-niks], Arizona.
The device invented by Khare is a small, black rectangular supercapacitor that acts as energy storage. It can store large amounts of energy in just a small space and can charge a cell phone battery in only 20 to 30 seconds. The technology can also pave the way for faster charging of automobile batteries.
In announcing the winners, Intel commended Khare for recognizing the pressing need for energy-efficient storage devices as the world’s technology is increasingly focusing on mobiles today.
The Young Scientist Award includes a prize of $50,000, which will come in handy when Khare starts attending Harvard University this autumn.
The other winner of the Young Scientist Award, who likewise received $50,000, is Henry Lin from Louisiana [loo-ee-zee-AN-uh, loo-uh-zee-, loo-ee-]. Intel gave him the award for his astrophysics project on the enigmatic dark matter and dark energy.
On another note, the fair's top award called the Gordon E. Moore Award was given to Ionut Budisteanu of Romania. Budisteanu received the award and a $75,ooo prize for creating a low-cost, self-driving car system using artificial intelligence.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Would you be interested in acquiring the device made by Eesha Khare? Why or why not?
· Aside from possibly winning a prize, what are the advantages of joining school competitions? Please explain your answer.
Discussion B
· Do you think children and young people should be more interested in science and technology? Why do you say so?
· How can parents and teachers support and motivate children who show potential in science and technology?
