APPLENEWS:: DIAMONDS, CORNS , and RENEWABLE RESOURCES
DIAMOND
The word diamond comes from a Greek root meaning “unbreakable,” which is Fitting because diamond is the hardest material in the world. Diamonds have been treasured for their tough beauty for at least 3,000 years, when they were used in Indian religious ceremonies.
Diamonds are also among the world’s most expensive resources. The best diamonds are formed deep within the earth, where they are created by the extremely high temperatures in the earth’s core. Mammoth pipes have to be dug in order to reach them. The process is both costly and destructive to the environment.
1. Tell me about diamonds.
2. Why do you think did the writer say that Diamonds are also among the world’s most expensive resources?
3. Do you know any other gems or stones aside from diamonds? What's your favorite?:::
CORN THE UNITED STATES
The United States of the 21st century is a busy and crowded place. Five centuries ago, however, it was open space that attracted explorers to the so called “New World.” European leaders dreamed of using the empty continent as a “breadbasket:” miles of vast farmland to feed Europe’s growing population.
Today, America is one of the world’s leading producers of “staple foods.” More than 40% of the world’s corn is grown in America. Not only is corn turned into foods like tortillas and cereals, it is also a main ingredient in syrup, whiskey, and animal food.
Have you been to USA? What can you say about it?
Do you think it has always been like that even before?
What do we mean by breadbasket?
But they were not under Europe anymore.
What are staple foods?
What example was given for staple foods?
Do you like corn?
What do people usually turn corn into?
:::
Renewable Resources
Traditional energy sources, like fossil fuels, are non-renewable resources, meaning that we can’t make more. When we’ve used all the fossil fuels, we won’t be able to use them any more to power our vehicles, farms, and cities.
Recognizing the need for a more sustainable energy source, scientists are developing ways to use energy sources that are either unlimited or renewable, such as sun, wind, and water.
In the past, renewable energy has been expensive to produce. Renewable energy sources are often located far from cities, and building power lines to populated areas takes time and money.
Another disadvantage is that renewable resources are not always available. You can’t use solar power on a cloudy day, or hydro power in a drought. However, as the oil becomes more expensive, renewable resources will become even more important.
Tell me about Traditional Energy Sources.
Because of that, what did Scientists do in order to solve this problem?
What are some of the disadvantages of Renewable energy sources?
