Persistent, Massive Mission, Do Look Down

Passage-Based Questions: A Massive Mission

1. How does the author develop the idea that transporting Endeavour was a major challenge?

• A. By describing the size of the shuttle and the difficulties of moving it through the streets

• B. By explaining how engineers designed the shuttle for space travel

• C. By comparing the Endeavour’s journey to previous NASA missions

• D. By showing how the public reacted to seeing the shuttle

Massive Mission: What is the purpose of including the detail about the Endeavour flying over landmarks like the Hollywood sign?

• A. To show how the shuttle was tested before landing

• B. To highlight the excitement and celebration surrounding its journey

• C. To explain why the shuttle was retired from space travel

• D. To prove that the shuttle could still function in flight

Massive Mission: What is the effect of the phrase "once-in-forever moment in history" in paragraph 1?

• A. It emphasizes the uniqueness and significance of Endeavour’s journey

• B. It suggests that moving the Endeavour was not well-planned

• C. It shows that many shuttles have taken similar journeys

• D. It highlights the mistakes made during the transport

Massive Mission: Which sentence best supports the idea that Endeavour’s move required significant planning?

• A. "Strapped to the back of a specially adapted Boeing 747 airplane, it was flown across the country to Edwards Air Force Base in California."

• B. "Huge steel plates were placed atop streets along the route."

• C. "Several police officers were needed to redirect traffic as the shuttle passed."

• D. "The crowds clapped and cheered as the shuttle moved into view."

Do Look Down: What was the main reason for building the Grand Canyon Skywalk?

• A. To provide scientists with a better way to study the canyon

• B. To encourage more tourists to visit Grand Canyon West

• C. To replace the old pathways along the Grand Canyon

• D. To create a safe place for hikers to view the canyon

Do Look Down: Which sentence best supports the idea that the skywalk was an ambitious project?

• "Nature lovers from around the world come to see the Grand Canyon."

• "It is a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway that protrudes 70 feet beyond the canyon wall."

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk brings visitors to Grand Canyon West."

• "The walkway’s walls and floor are made of a special thick glass, and its foundation is made of many tons of steel."

Do Look Down: What can the reader conclude about the tribal elders based on paragraph 4?

• They did not support the construction of the skywalk at first.

• They were unsure if visitors would enjoy the new attraction.

• They believed the skywalk would damage the environment.

• They wanted to find a way to create more jobs for their people.

Paired: How are the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Endeavour’s final journey similar?

• Both projects were designed to improve scientific research.

• Both projects were created to honor past achievements.

• Both projects were expensive and required careful planning.

• Both projects were built by engineers and astronauts.

Which statement best explains a key difference between the Grand Canyon Skywalk and the Endeavour’s journey?

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk was built to provide economic benefits, while Endeavour’s journey was a historical event.

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk required an airplane to be built, while Endeavour was flown on top of a plane.

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk was moved through a city, while Endeavour remained in one place

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk was created by NASA, while Endeavour was a private project.

Which sentence from "DO Look Down!" has a similar purpose to the sentence about crowds cheering for the Endeavour in "A Massive Mission"?

• "It is strong enough to hold the weight of 71 airplanes."

• "Since then, the $30 million attraction has welcomed millions of visitors."

• "Though it would take a great amount of work, many tribe members liked this idea."

• "Tourists can see through the floor of the skywalk."