Persevering Plants and Brilliant Ideas

Which characteristic of the geothermal vents made the survival of nearby plants so surprising?

• The depth of the holes

• The heat they generate

• The  number of them that exist

• The amount of pressure they release

How do the photograph and caption after paragraph 4 help the reader better understand the selection?

• They explain how endophytes work to help plants.

• They demonstrate the effect endophytes can have on plants

• They illustrate what kinds of plants endophytes can help.

• They show the condition against which endophytes can protect plants.

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CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

CCSS.RI.K.5

How are paragraphs 2 through 4 organized?

• 1. They compare the plants Rodriguez collected to the endophytes living on the plants.

• 1. They describe the steps Rodriguez followed while researching plants in his laboratory.

• 1. They explain the problem Rodriguez was trying to solve based on his observations.

• 1. They describe the structure of the plants Rodriguez collected from a harsh environment.

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CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

 What is paragraph 1 mostly about?

• The unusual conditions in which some plants can survive.

• 1. The occurrence of geothermal vents in several western states.

• 2. The way geothermal vents release pressure in the form of steam.

• 1. The types of plants that microbiologists have observed at a national park.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

An idea emphasized throughout the selection is that Rodriguez’s endophyte solution -

• can improve plant life in national parks

• 1. eliminates the need to water plants regularly

• 1. will allow farmers to plant crops regardless of the season

• 1. can restore a plant’s natural resistance to the effects of a harsh climate

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CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Use “Brilliant Ideas: The Cure for Concrete” and “Persevering Plants” to answer questions 6 - 9.

6.  What is one way that Rodriguez’s and Jonkers’ methods were similar?

• 1. They both created mixtures using living materials.

  
  

• 1. They both traveled to an unfamiliar location to begin their research.

• 1. They both studied particular animals to inform their research.

• 1. They both considered how temperature might affect their results.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

 Read this sentence from paragraph 5 of “Persevering Plants”.

Rodriguez has tested his endophyte mixture on crops and achieved success.

Which sentence from “The Cure for Concrete” shows a similar outcome for bioconcrete?

• The bacteria can live in the hardened concrete for decades.  (paragraph 5)

• In 2011 self-healing concrete was used to construct a lifeguard station near a lake in the Netherlands.  (paragraph 6)

• With the help of Jonkers’ bioconcrete, the lifeguard station has remained intact. (paragraph 6)

• Bioconcrete has been used on the floors and roofs of parking garages. (paragraph 6)

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CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

What is one problem presented about bioconcrete that is not presented about endophyte fungi?

• 1. Bioconcrete is expensive to produce.

• 1. Bioconcrete may be unintentionally destroyed.

• 1. Bioconcrete contains harmful bacteria.

• 1. Bioconcrete is exposed to weather conditions.

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CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is one difference between Rodriguez’s endophyte mixture and the bacteria in Jonkers’ products?

• 1. The endophyte mixture is clearly visible on seeds.  

  However, the bacteria in the concrete cannot be detected.

  
  

• 1. The endophyte mixture covers the outside of seeds.  

  However, the bacteria are placed inside the concrete.

  
  

• 
  

  1. The endophyte mixture is not a substance found naturally in plants.  

  However, the bacteria is a natural part of concrete.

  
  

• 1. The endophyte mixture remains inactive for a period of time.  

  However, the bacteria begin to work immediately.

  
  

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3