MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Science Environment
TITLE: Virginia study on groundwater, data centers calls for tighter water regulations
UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. clamp down on [klamp doun on]
Additional Information: Its noun form is clampdown (ex. Teachers are starting a clampdown on students who use their phones during class).
2. lay blame [ley bleym]
Additional Information: It may also follow the form lay the blame on (something).
3. constrain [kuhn-STREYN]
Additional Information: A related word is control.
4. resonant [REZ-uh-nuhnt]
Additional Information: This adjective may also mean (of a sound) deep, clear, and continuing for a long time.
5. admonish [ad-MON-ish]
Additional Information: This verb is used in a formal context.
SYNONYMS
1. clamp down on - restrict, stop, suppress
2. lay blame - accuse, hold responsible, point fingers
3. constrain - limit, restrict, curb
4. resonant - meaningful, impactful, significant
5. admonish - scold, reprimand, warn
DEFINITION:
1. clamp down on - to take strict action to stop or limit bad behavior, illegal acts, or unfair use of something
2. lay blame - to say that a specific person, group, or thing is responsible for a bad situation or problem
3. constrain - to limit or restrict the size, amount, or freedom of something
4. resonant - having a strong personal meaning, deep connection, or special importance to a group of people
5. admonish - to speak to someone firmly or publicly to criticize them and show that their actions were wrong
FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:
1. What is your initial reaction to the article about data centers and water use?
2. Why do you think data centers require such large amounts of water?
3. How important is groundwater to your local community?
4. Do you think governments should limit the growth of tech companies to protect natural resources?
5. Who should be responsible for protecting water supplies, companies or the government?
6. How would you feel if a large data center was built near your neighborhood?
7. What are some ways technology companies can reduce their environmental impact?
8. Do you think people realize how much physical infrastructure is needed to support the internet?
9. Is technology growing too fast for environmental laws to keep up?
10. Should companies be forced to pay higher taxes if they use a lot of local water?
11. How can communities balance economic growth with environmental protection?
12. Have you ever experienced a water shortage in your area?
13. What everyday actions do you take to conserve water at home?
14. Do you think artificial intelligence and cloud computing are worth the environmental cost?
15. How might water shortages affect local businesses and agriculture?
16. Should local residents have a say in whether data centers are built in their town?
17. What alternative cooling methods could data centers use instead of water?
18. Do you think stricter water regulations will slow down technological progress?
19. How can local governments encourage companies to use renewable energy and sustainable practices?
20. What other industries do you know that use large amounts of natural resources?
21. Should tech companies be required to build their own water treatment facilities?
22. Do you worry about the future availability of clean drinking water?
23. How important is environmental sustainability when you choose to use a tech service?
24. What role should scientists play in shaping government environmental policies?
25. How do you think the issue of resource consumption by tech facilities will change in the next ten years?
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