Science in the news

Science World, March 8, 2004

Directions: Read the late-breaking news in our Science News section on pages 4 and 5. Then test your knowledge by answering the questions below. Circle the correct letter.

1. How does Motion Research's helmet keep cyclists safe?

a. It prevents unnecessary wobbling.

b. Cyclists will not go over the speed limit.

c. It keeps their eyes on the road.

d. Cyclists will not use the wrong gears.

2. Comets usually orbit the sun from beyond Pluto. They are big balls of

a. dust and large rocks.

b. ice and dust.

c. solid rock.

d. meteors.

3. Scientists hope Stardust's collected debris will give scientists more clues about

a. the sun's temperature and composition.

b. how comets are formed.

c. the comet's purpose in the universe.

d. how the solar system formed.

4. The Spirit and Opportunity rovers' main task is to search for evidence of water on Mars. Why?

a. Earth needs an additional fresh-water supply.

b. It's a needed ingredient for life.

c. To calculate future astronauts' drinking water supply.

d. It will explain how the solar system formed.

5. Which feature helped scientist Yamada Tadasu identify a new type of whale species?

a. number of filtering plates in mouth

b. bone structure

c. DNA

d. all of the above

Take It Further:

Research and debate the pros and cons of sending astronauts to explore Mars someday.

1. c 2. b 3. d 4. b 5. d