embryo (noun) fertilized egg

• Sample Sentence: To obtain some stem cells, scientists must destroy a human embryo.

• Turn and Talk: Should scientists be allowed to destroy a human embryo for research that could save lives?

paralyzed (adjective) unable to move

• Sample Sentence: Doctors confirmed that Kris was paralyzed from the neck down.

• Turn and Talk: How do you think school would be different for a paralyzed student?

Paralyzed can also be used as a verb (paralyze). Example: The injury paralyzed the soldier.

theory (noun) an explanation for a set of related facts

• Sample Sentence: Scientists have proven Copernicus’ theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

• Turn and Talk: Share your theory about extraterrestrial life (aliens).

investigate (verb) to try to learn about

• Sample Sentence: Investigating stem cells and seeing their medical benefits takes years and costs millions.

• Turn and Talk: What is a topic you would like to investigate?

obtain (verb) to get

• Sample Sentence: Scientists could not obtain federal money for research on embryonic stem cells.

• Turn and Talk: What do you have to do to obtain permission to hang out with your friends after school?