Russel Westbrook
What is Russel Westbrook‘s background? What is he known for?
He is a professional basketball player (point guard) for the Sacramento Kings.
Fill in the blank: Matt Petersen praised Westbrook‘s strong _________ (promise) to making Los Angelas a greener city.
commitment
What did Cassandra Rauert decide to test when she was at her new job?
Her own blood
Tiny pieces of plastic called _________ can end up in soil, oceans, and even in human blood.
microplastics
Why should we worry about microplastics in our food and water?
Because microsplastics can enter our bodies and harm our health.
What major environmental problem in Los Angela’s is Westbrook trying to help solve, and what is the main cause of it?
The major problem is Los Angelas’s smog and unhealthy air. The main cause is tailpipe exhaust from vehicles.
One important part of the clean-air project is to secure _____________ (money) so that workforce training and clean-energy infrastructure can be paid for and launched.
funding
What did her blood test seem to show and how did she feel about the result?
It seemed full of polyethylene (plastic). She was shocked but also skeptical.
Rauert felt _______ about her blood-test results because the amount of plastic seemed to high to be real.
skeptical
Why do schools need funding for things like new books, computers, or sports equipment?
To enhance the quality of education and performance of students.
Describe Westbrook academy and what makes Westbrook especially proud of its STEM program.
Westbrook Academy is a charter middle school in South L.A. that partners with the L.A. Promise Fund. Westbrook is especially proud of STEM because it shows students how science, technology, health, and sustainability can help the future of L.A. and the world.
The campaign focuses on the electrification of the city’s municipal and commercial _________ which means large groups of vehicles that belong to the city and businesses.
fleets
Why is it hard for scientists to measure tiny pieces of plastic in blood or fish?
There is so much plastic everywhere that it creates “background noise” and can contaminate the samples.
The _________ of plastic in modern life makes it hard to measure small amounts of accurately.
omnipresence
When do you feel skeptical about something a friend tells you?
When it sounds crazy or not true.
What kinds of opportunities does Westbrook hope clean-tech jobs and training will create for undeserved communities in Los Angelas?
He hopes the clean-tech jobs and training will create opportunities, jobs, and investment so that undeserved communities can benefit and build a better future.
In the article, the main ________ (reason to blame) of Los Angelas’s smog problem is tailpipe exhaust from vehicles.
culprit
What special lab did the Minderloo Foundation help Rauert build?
A nearly plastic-free laboratory called Minderoo Plastics and Human Health Laboratory
In a normal lab, __________ from plastic materials can ruin test results.
contamination
How can we prevent the spread of contamination (dirt or germs)?
by simply washing our hands
Critical Thinking: Why might combining sports with lessons about science be an effective way to inspire kids in South Los Angelas?
Critical thinking (supported by the text): Sports already capture young people’s attention and excitement. By linking those events to clean-tech jobs and STEM lessons, Westbrook can shift the focus of the kids from the field or court to real future careers in science and tech fields.
Westbrook has _________(adv-non-stop) applied his “Why not?” idea both on the basketball court and in his work to help communities and the environment.
relentlessly
Why does Rauert believe scientists need better and more accurate data about microplastics?
Because scientists cannot properly understand the real dangers without reliable data.
Scientists are now studying how plastic particles may be _________ our bodies without noticing.
infiltrating
What is something you relentlessly practice every week?
Example: English, Chinese, Math