Vocabulary 1
power and influence over other people or events (n.)
clout
To stop a fire or light burning (v.)
(to) extinguish
The big fire in the old kitchen was put out by the teachers. (extinguish/blaze)
The blaze in the old kitchen was extinguished by the teachers.
Why is it useful for students to learn about biodiversity?
Suggested answer: Because it helps them understand how plants, animals, and nature work together.
What is “cultural burning” and how have indigenous communities used it for thousands of years?
Cultural burning is when people intentionally set smaller, carefully managed fires.
A firm promise or decision to do something (n.)
commitment
Start burning or cause something to start burning (v.)
(to) ignite
Because she is popular and well-respected, she can easily influence her classmates.
Because she is popular and well-respected, she has clout with her classmates.
Some middle-school children become disillusioned with their heavy school work. What kind of commitment do they need to stay positive and keep improving?
Points awarded for clear and coherent answer.
According to Hoffman, how can cultural burns help protect biodiversity and make future wildfires less dangerous?
She believes cultural burns spread more slowly and burn at lower temperatures. This helps renew the land and protects biodiversity.
Referring to the variety of all living things-including animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms lIke bacteria (n.)
biodiversity
Existing in possibility; possible (n.)
Potential
Mei Lin is fighting for better mental-health support in her middle school.
Mei Lin is championing for better mental-health support in her middle school.
Which has more potential to protect biodiversity in China-old indigenous ways or modern science? Why do you think so?
Points awarded for clear, coherent answer.
Why does Hoffman believe that looking to the past (cultural burning) has strong potential to solve today’s big wildfire problems?
Because ecosystems are “fire adapted” and need fire.
To strongly support, defend, or fight a cause, belief or person (v)
(to) champion
Referring to the original inhabitants of a region (adj.)
indigenous
His strong promise to finish the group work on time impressed everyone.
His commitment to finish the group work on time impressed everyone.
If a small blaze starts near the school garden, what should students do to extinguish it and protect the plants?
Points awarded for clear and coherent answer.
(Inference) Why do you think Kira Hoffman was featured as a “key figure” in National Geographic?
Points awarded for clear and concise answer.
To make a formal, earnest request to an authority figure, government, or court (v.)
(to) petition
A large, strong fire (n.)
(a) blaze
Rephrase the following sentence using the following three key vocabulary words: commitment, champion, indigenous, clout, ignite, and petition.
“The popular class monitor decided to strongly support better understanding of China’s minority cultures and asked the principal formally for special lessons, showing real dedication that started many student’s interests.”
Using his clout as the popular class monitor, he decided to champion better understanding of China’s indigenous cultures and petitioned the principal for special lessons, showing real commitment that ignited many student‘s interests.
Why is it good to have clout among your peers?
Points awarded for clear and concise answer.
Who is Harrison Ford and what sort of activism/initiatives is he involved in?
Points awarded for clear and concise answer.