VOA慢速英语:Scientist Fights for Coral Reefs, Makes Science Fun

短语讲解：

1. The language, with its Latin words and long scientific terms, could be one reason some people avoid learning about science, especially children.

learn about 获得，学得; 得知有关…的消息
例句：Childrenseem to learn about computers by osmosis.
儿童似乎不知不觉地就了解了计算机。

2. The goal of her research is to identify why some healthy coral reefs are breaking down.

break down 失败; 划分（以便分析）; 损坏
例句：The artificial distinctions of race also break down.
人为的种族差别也就会消除。

3. She also wants to find out how this degradation affects fish that live in and around the reefs.

find out 发现; 使发作; 使受惩罚
例句：I'll find out the address,and ring you back.
我找到地址后再与你通电话。

4. And one of the ways that I was able to connect with the adults was I would make these videos for them.

connect with 转乘; 使有关系; 与…连接; 用电话同…相联系
例句：He doesn't seem to connect with anybody.
他好像和谁都不来往。

5. We found out that the coral actually can chemically communicate with the goby to tell it, like, ‘Come help me! I'm hurt right here!’

communicate with 与…联系，与…交往; 与…相通
例句：I can communicate with foreigners easily.
我能轻松地和外国人沟通。

6. She also includes in her books “a call to action,” asking readers what they can do to make a difference.

make a difference 有影响; 起（重要）作用
例句：I did make a difference in town.
我确实在镇上发挥了影响力。

7. You know, there is a lot of things that even a 6-year-old is able to do, whether it's shutting your lights off when you leave a room, or riding your bike to your friend's house instead of having your parents drive you.

instead of （用…） 代替…， （是…）而不是…
例句：A spirit lamp burns spirits instead of oil.
酒精灯里点的不是油而是酒精。