Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the Sphinx Observatory:
- Have you ever visited a place with extreme weather conditions? How did you feel?
- What do you think are some of the most impressive engineering feats in the world?
- How do you think scientists and engineers work together to achieve common goals?
- Have you ever heard of the Sphinx Observatory? What do you know about it?
- What do you think are some of the challenges of building a structure in a remote and inhospitable location?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image of the Sphinx Observatory. What do you see? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Discuss your thoughts with your partner or in a group.
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the Sphinx Observatory and learn about its location, construction, and purpose. Take note of any interesting facts or figures that catch your attention.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video about the Sphinx Observatory, available at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/inside-europes-most-remote-building/. Pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions with your partner or in a group:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What are some of the challenges of building a structure in a remote location like the Swiss Alps? How do you think the engineers and scientists overcame these challenges?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: What is the significance of the Sphinx Observatory’s high altitude location? How does it benefit the scientists and researchers who use it?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: What are some of the innovative features of the Sphinx Observatory’s design and construction? How do you think these features contribute to its success as a research facility?
Vocabulary Building:
Review the key vocabulary related to the Sphinx Observatory, including terms like “observatory,” “hydroelectric power,” “reinforced concrete,” and “3S system.” Use the definitions and example usage to help you understand the context and meaning of each term.
Grammar Focus:
Learn about the present perfect continuous tense and how it is used to describe ongoing actions that started in the past and continue up to the present moment. Practice using this tense with the grammar quiz questions, such as:
- The Sphinx Observatory ________ in the Swiss Alps since its construction in 1937.
- By the time the Yungfra railway tunnel ________, it had taken 16 years to complete.
- The construction team ________ on the new lift installation for about a year before its completion.
- Scientists ________ the Sphinx Observatory to study the atmosphere for many years.
- The Aiger Express ________ a 3S system with two track ropes and one load-bearing cable since its introduction.
Check your answers with the answer key and review any questions you got wrong.