"Danger! This Mission to Mars . . ." Review

The word in red below comes from the text you read. Based on how it is used in the sentence, what does it mean?

It suggests that what we call a restless mind is just that--a mind desperate for something to amuse it, searching frantically for stimulus.

• something that causes action or reaction

• the mind without one's full awareness

• painfully, miserably

• lasting a long time or recurring often

• sameness; boredom

The word in red below comes from the text you read. Based on how it is used in the sentence, what does it mean?

But because of the causes of chronic boredom, scientists say, research facilities in Antarctica might actually provide a better simulation of the stress of a journey to Mars.

• something that causes action or reaction

• the mind without one's full awareness

• painfully, miserably

• lasting a long time or recurring often

• sameness; boredom

The word in red below comes from the text you read. Based on how it is used in the sentence, what does it mean?

More important, Danckert and Kring say, bored people are also prone to taking risks, subconsciously seeking out stimulation when their environment bores them.

• something that causes action or reaction

• the mind without one's full awareness

• painfully, miserably

• lasting a long time or recurring often

• sameness; boredom

The word in red below comes from the text you read. Based on how it is used in the sentence, what does it mean?

An important lesson that Antarctica can impart on a Mars expedition is this: even scientists on important missions can get excruciatingly bored.

• something that causes action or reaction

• the mind without one's full awareness

• painfully, miserably

• lasting a long time or recurring often

• sameness; boredom

The word in red below comes from the text you read. Based on how it is used in the sentence, what does it mean?

It's just you, the people you came in with, no way out and little to break up the monotony.

• something that causes action or reaction

• the mind without one's full awareness

• painfully, miserably

• lasting a long time or recurring often

• sameness; boredom

The word in red below comes from the text you read. Based on how it is used in the sentence, what does it mean?

It would be catastrophic if humanity's greatest voyage were brought low by the mind's tendency to wander when left to its own devices.

• disastrous

• the mind without one's full awareness

• painfully, miserably

• lasting a long time or recurring often

• sameness; boredom

Why are six people living in a geodesic dome on the slopes of a volcano in Hawaii?

• They are preparing themselves for what it will be like on their journey to Mars.

• They are taking a vacation.

• They are conducting research about Mars.

• Only six people were hired for the job.

With our current technology, how long will a journey to Mars take?

• about three days each way

• about one day each way

• about eight months each way

• about eight years each way

According to scientists, what is one of the biggest threats to a manned Mars mission?

• space invaders

• busyness

• time of travel

• boredom

What effect does boredom have on the brain?

• It is a form of stress.

• It's harmless.

• Actually, it makes the brain better.

• It can cause high blood pressure.