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Word Your Way Through [5] Trivia Quiz
Title: An Allergy from Outer Space
This intriguing nonfiction magazine article has a few holes punched in it. Can you help me figure out which vocabulary words best fit the blanks? Perfect for English language learners!
Last 3 plays: redwaldo (8/12), Lrgindypants (12/12), spaismunky (12/12).
Harrison Schmitt was hopping around the Moon's surface, collecting small rocks and dust to study back on Earth. As a , this was an incredibly exciting time for him. He moved in closer to the vehicle they had brought with them, and moon dust to his spacesuit, turning it a dark gray.
Schmitt tried the moon dust off, but it was no use. The dust simply stayed put no matter how many times the geologist brushed at it. When he arrived safely back at the spaceship and his helmet, that's when the trouble started. Immediately, Harrison Schmitt's eyes began to get red, his throat , and he started sneezing repeatedly. He realized he was having a often nicknamed "lunar hay fever" from the moon dust on his spacesuit. Although an expert in rocks, Schmitt hadn't anticipated how irritating dust could be compared with dust back on Earth.
Scientists already knew that moon dust is unusually , and this mission's experience why Schmitt reacted this way. On Earth, wind and water smooth dust . The Moon has neither. Lunar dust is jagged and sharp, which can one's eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs when it gets inside a habitat. You start sneezing heavily in order to get the small pieces out. Schmitt and other Apollo astronauts have emphasized the need to plan for lunar dust during future missions.
Here's a short glossary of the terms used in this article along with an example sentence. If you want to know more about the topic of the article itself, skip to the end!
geologist (noun): A scientist who studies the Earth, including rocks, minerals, and landforms
Example: The geologist spent the day examining rock samples in the canyon for signs of ancient life.
cling (verb): To stick to something tightly or hold on firmly
Example: After the rain, wet leaves clung to the bottom of his boots.
wipe (off) (verb): To clean or remove something by rubbing it with a cloth or hand
Example: She tried to wipe off the fog from the bathroom mirror after her shower.
remove (verb): To take something away or off from a surface or place
Example: Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
itch (verb): To feel a tickling or irritating sensation on the skin that makes you want to scratch
Example: His arm started to itch after he touched the grass during recess.
reaction (noun): A response to something, often shown through behavior, movement, or feelings
Example: Her reaction to the loud noise was to cover her ears and jump in surprise.
lunar (adjective): Related to the Moon
Example: The astronauts prepared for a lunar mission that would take them to the Moon's surface.
abrasive (adjective): Rough or harsh, often causing scraping or irritation
Example: The sandpaper was very abrasive and scratched the surface of the wood.
reinforce (verb): To make something stronger or support it more firmly
Example: The teacher used a science video to reinforce the lesson about volcanoes.
particle (noun): A very small piece or bit of something
Example: Dust particles floated in the sunlight coming through the window.
irritate (verb): To cause discomfort, pain, or annoyance, especially by making part of the body feel itchy, sore, or inflamed
Example: Dust from the old book began to irritate her eyes, making them water and sting.
hazard (noun): Something that can cause harm, danger, or risk
Example: Leaving toys on the stairs is a safety hazard because someone might trip and fall.
Even though Harrison Schmitt's reaction to moon dust was a bit of a surprise at the time, lunar dust continues to be a major concern for space agencies today. NASA and other space organizations are now working on new spacesuit designs that can better resist dust sticking to the fabric. They're also researching special airlocks and cleaning systems to keep moon dust from getting inside future habitats. That's important because the tiny, sharp particles of lunar dust don't just irritate people, they can also damage equipment. In past missions, the dust scratched helmet visors, clogged joints in tools, and even caused problems with electronics. Since future missions may involve astronauts spending weeks or months on the Moon, scientists are also testing materials and filters that could protect astronauts for longer periods. What started as an unexpected allergic reaction has now led to serious improvements in how we plan for life on the Moon!
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