Messi Magic Worksheet Name:
Date:
Athlete Profile • Soccer Legend
Lionel Messi
The Magic Little Giant (Part 1)
Lexile: 620L
[1] Lionel Messi grew up in Rosario, Argentina. He fell in love with soccer at age five. He spent every single afternoon kicking a ball against a brick wall. His grandmother took him to his first team matches. Even though he was tiny, his skills were undeniable.
[2] By age eleven, his teammates were growing tall, but Lionel stayed small. Doctors diagnosed him with a growth deficiency. The medicine cost hundreds of dollars each month, which was a major struggle for his family. They wondered if his dream of playing soccer was over.
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Athlete Profile: Lionel Messi Part 2: The Journey Continues
The Magic Little Giant (Part 2)
[3] Then, a scout from Spain saw him play. He was amazed at how Lionel could weave through defenders. The scout offered a deal: the team would pay for his medical treatment if Lionel moved to Spain to join their academy. Lionel packed his bags and moved far away.
[4] Moving was extremely difficult. Lionel was timid and quiet, often sitting alone in the locker room. Some teammates called him "the dwarf." However, Lionel was determined to prove he belonged. He worked harder than anyone else.
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Athlete Profile: Lionel Messi Part 3: Becoming a Legend
The Magic Little Giant (Part 3)
[5] He spent hours practicing his dribbling, learning how to use his low center of gravity to dodge taller defenders. Soon, he made his debut for the professional team. The crowd gasped as he scored his first goal, chipped over the goalkeeper.
[6] Today, Lionel is considered the greatest player in soccer history. He has won multiple trophies, including the World Cup. His journey proves that with ambition and dedication, your obstacles can become your greatest strengths.
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Athlete Profile: Lionel Messi Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. STRUGGLE (noun)
A very hard task or a great difficulty that you have to overcome.
Example: It was a struggle to pay for Lionel's medicine.
2. TIMID (adjective)
Shy, quiet, or nervous around other people.
Example: Lionel was timid when he moved to the big city.
3. DETERMINED (adjective)
Strongly decided to do something and refusing to let anything stop you.
Example: Lionel was determined to become a professional soccer player.
4. AMBITION (noun)
A strong desire or big goal to achieve success in life.
Example: His ambition was to win the world cup for his country.
Quick Check:
Which word describes a person who has giant goals? ____________________
Athlete Profile: Lionel Messi Part 5: Comprehension Check
Read and Recall
1. According to paragraph 2, what was Lionel's medical struggle?
2. Why did moving to Spain make Lionel feel extremely timid?
3. How did Lionel's ambition help him become a world champion?
Use specific details from the text to support your answers.
Curry Courage Worksheet Name:
Date:
Athlete Profile • Basketball Legend
Stephen Curry
The Small Boy with Big Range (Part 1)
Lexile: 610L
[1] Stephen Curry loved basketball as a boy. Since his father had played in the NBA, Stephen dreamed of doing the exact same thing. He spent countless hours shooting in his backyard, practicing in the rain and the cold. But when it was time to play in school, coaches looked at his small body and shook their heads.
[2] They told Stephen that he was far too small, too thin, and too weak to ever succeed against tall players. Many schools completely ignored Stephen. They did not invite him to join their top teams. They believed he would get pushed around easily on the court and get hurt.
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Athlete Profile: Stephen Curry Part 2: The Journey Continues
The Small Boy with Big Range (Part 2)
[3] Stephen felt sad and left out, but he did not give up. He knew that his physical size did not matter if he could shoot the ball perfectly every single time. He practiced with extreme focus, shooting hundreds of basketballs until his arms ached.
[4] He realized that if he could shoot incredibly fast and from very far away, defenders would never be able to block his shots. He transformed his shooting style, making his release lightning fast. Soon, his accuracy was legendary in high school and college.
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Athlete Profile: Stephen Curry Part 3: Becoming a Legend
The Small Boy with Big Range (Part 3)
[5] When Stephen joined the NBA, he shocked the entire sports world. He was making shots from the middle of the court that seemed completely impossible! His coaches let him shoot from anywhere because they knew his release was unstoppable.
[6] Stephen led his team to multiple championship trophies and broke every single three-point record in history. Today, Stephen is a global superstar who proved that height is not everything. He showed that deep dedication can redefine how an entire sport is played.
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Athlete Profile: Stephen Curry Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. SUCCEED (verb)
To do well, win, or reach a goal that you worked hard for.
Example: Stephen knew he could succeed if he practiced enough.
2. IGNORE (verb)
To pay no attention to someone or treat them as if they are not there.
Example: He decided to ignore the people who said he was too small.
3. MATTER (verb)
To be important, meaningful, or make a real difference.
Example: His height did not matter once he learned to shoot perfectly.
The Rock Resilience Worksheet Name:
Date:
Athlete Profile • Wrestling & Football
Dwayne Johnson
Seven Bucks to Superstar (Part 1)
Lexile: 630L
[1] Dwayne Johnson is known today as "The Rock." Growing up, Dwayne was a highly athletic teenager. He played college football at a major university in Miami and won a national championship. He was incredibly proud of his athletic achievements, but his real goal was to play in the professional football leagues.
[2] His dream was crushed when he was cut from his professional team. At age twenty-two, Dwayne had only seven dollars left in his pocket. He felt totally defeated, lonely, and had to move back with his parents. It was a dark time, but Dwayne decided to shift his life's path toward something new.
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Athlete Profile: Dwayne Johnson Part 2: The Journey Continues
Seven Bucks to Superstar (Part 2)
[3] Dwayne decided to join professional wrestling. Both his father and grandfather had been legendary wrestlers, so he had to endure grueling physical training to get ready. He spent countless hours sweating in tiny, hot gymnasiums and practicing his athletic ring moves until his body was sore.
[4] He practiced his speaking skills as much as his wrestling moves. He created a colorful character called "The Rock" who had huge confidence and charm. He knew that wrestling was not just about muscles, but also about connecting with the millions of screaming fans in the seats.
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Athlete Profile: Dwayne Johnson Part 3: Becoming a Legend
Seven Bucks to Superstar (Part 3)
[5] Within a few years, Dwayne became a wrestling sensation. Millions of fans screamed his name in giant stadiums. He used this massive platform to transition into Hollywood, becoming one of the most successful movie actors of all time.
[6] His remarkable comeback showed that hard work can help you bounce back from any major setback. Today, Dwayne is a global icon who donates millions of dollars to charities. He constantly reminds kids that the key to success is staying hungry and always moving forward.
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Athlete Profile: Dwayne Johnson Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. SHIFT (verb)
To change direction, focus, or the way you do something.
Example: Dwayne decided to shift his dreams from football to wrestling.
2. ENDURE (verb)
To go through a difficult or painful time with courage and patience.
Example: He had to endure months of hard workouts in the gym.
3. SENSATION (noun)
A person or thing that causes huge excitement and wins everyone's attention.
Mahomes Mindset Worksheet Name:
Date:
Athlete Profile • Football Star
Patrick Mahomes
Playing the Game His Way (Part 1)
Lexile: 640L
[1] Patrick Mahomes grew up surrounded by high-level sports. His father was a talented professional baseball player, so Patrick spent his childhood running around professional stadiums. In school, Patrick played baseball, basketball, and football. Some coaches told him that playing so many sports would confuse him and ruin his throwing arm.
[2] They wanted him to choose just one sport, but Patrick would refuse to quit. He loved the variety of movements and skills he learned from each game. Playing basketball helped his vision, while baseball built his strong arm. He was determined to play all of them.
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Athlete Profile: Patrick Mahomes Part 2: The Journey Continues
Playing the Game His Way (Part 2)
[3] Patrick played football in a completely unique way. Instead of throwing like a standard quarterback, he used throwing tricks he learned from baseball. He could throw sidearm passes around defenders, or even throw the ball without looking! At first, football purists thought his style was too risky.
[4] They wanted him to play in a more standard way, making safe, ordinary plays. Critics said his creative passes would lead to too many mistakes in professional games. But Patrick ignored the critics and stayed true to his own instincts.
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Athlete Profile: Patrick Mahomes Part 3: Becoming a Legend
Playing the Game His Way (Part 3)
[5] He joined the NFL and spent a year learning on the bench before becoming a full-time starter. When he finally got his chance to play, his creative, baseball-style throws left defenders totally confused and fans completely amazed. He threw passes with his left hand, and even behind his back!
[6] Patrick led his team to multiple championship titles and won the MVP award. By embracing a wide variety of athletic skills, he proved that being unique is a massive strength. He showed that you can achieve greatness by trusting your own style.
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Athlete Profile: Patrick Mahomes Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. REFUSE (verb)
To say "no" or firmly decline to do something.
Example: Patrick would refuse to stop playing baseball even when coaches asked.
2. STANDARD (adjective)
Normal, ordinary, or matching a regular rule or expectation.
Example: His passes did not look like the standard throws of other quarterbacks.
3. STARTER (noun)
A player who is selected to begin a game on the field of play.
Cena Creed Worksheet Name:
Date:
Athlete Profile • Wrestling Icon
John Cena
The Champion of Never Giving Up (Part 1)
Lexile: 620L
[1] John Cena is one of the most famous professional wrestlers in history. But as a kid growing up in Massachusetts, John struggled with his confidence. He was constantly teased and bullied by other kids at school because of his baggy clothes, his voice, and his unique style.
[2] John felt lonely, small, and weak, but he decided to do something positive about it. He begged his father for a weightlifting set so he could build up his body. He started lifting weights in his dark cellar every single day after school.
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Athlete Profile: John Cena Part 2: The Journey Continues
The Champion of Never Giving Up (Part 2)
[3] John built strong muscles, but more importantly, he built a very strong mind. He learned that consistency and self-discipline were the keys to progress. He believed that working hard in the gym was the absolute best way to earn respect from others and from himself.
[4] After college, John decided to try professional wrestling. He entered the ring with a simple but powerful motto: "Never Give Up." He showed immense energy and passion during his matches, screaming at the crowd and jumping off the ropes.
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Athlete Profile: John Cena Part 3: Becoming a Legend
The Champion of Never Giving Up (Part 3)
[5] John won dozens of championship belts and became a global superstar in both wrestling and Hollywood movies. However, his most significant and beautiful accomplishments happened far away from the flashing cameras and roaring stadium crowds.
[6] John loved helping children who were battling serious illnesses. He began working with the Make-A-Wish foundation to bring joy to kids in need. Today, John has granted over six hundred and fifty wishes, which is a world record. He proved that being a true champion is about using your strength to lift up others.
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Athlete Profile: John Cena Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. TEASE (verb)
To laugh at, make fun of, or mock someone in an unkind or hurtful way.
Example: Bullies would tease John at school because he looked different.
2. RESPECT (noun)
A feeling of deep admiration for someone's skills, character, or achievements.
Example: John worked hard in the gym to earn the respect of his classmates.
3. MOTTO (noun)
A short phrase or statement that expresses a guiding rule, belief, or value.
Example: His wrestling motto was the famous phrase, "Never Give Up."
Armstrong Achievement Worksheet Name:
Date:
Cosmic Pioneers • Lunar Legend
Neil Armstrong
One Giant Leap (Part 1)
Lexile: 640L
[1] Neil Armstrong grew up loving airplanes. In Ohio, he built model planes and read books about flight. By age sixteen, he had his pilot's license before he even had a driver's license. He studied aerospace engineering and flew jets for the Navy.
[2] Neil became a test pilot, flying experimental rocket planes that went extremely fast. He loved the complex math and physics of flying. This experience made him a perfect candidate for NASA, which was preparing to launch humans into the unknown.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Neil Armstrong Part 2: The Moon Calling
One Giant Leap (Part 2)
[3] In 1969, Neil was chosen as the commander of Apollo 11, the first mission to land humans on the Moon. His task was incredibly dangerous. The computer onboard began to fail as they went down. Neil had to take manual control of the spacecraft.
[4] With only seconds of fuel remaining, Neil remained composed. He searched the cratered ground below for a safe, flat spot. Finally, the spacecraft touched down gently in the lunar dust. He reported to Mission Control: "The Eagle has landed."
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Cosmic Pioneers: Neil Armstrong Part 3: One Giant Leap
One Giant Leap (Part 3)
[5] Neil opened the hatch and climbed down the ladder. Millions of people watched on television screens. He stepped onto the dusty surface and said his famous words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." His dusty bootprints would remain there forever.
[6] His accomplishment showed that humanity could achieve the impossible through teamwork. Returning home, Neil stayed humble, always sharing credit. His courage remains an inspiration to future explorers.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Neil Armstrong Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. DANGEROUS (adjective)
Involving high risk, hazard, or likely to cause harm.
Example: Flying rocket planes was very dangerous.
2. COMPOSED (adjective)
Calm, quiet, and in control of your feelings, especially during a stressful moment.
Example: Neil stayed composed even when alarms went off.
3. ACCOMPLISHMENT (noun)
Something difficult that is successfully completed or achieved.
Example: Landing on the Moon was a giant accomplishment.
4. INSPIRATION (noun)
A person, goal, or achievement that gives others the energy and desire to do something great.
Sally Ride Worksheet Name:
Date:
Cosmic Pioneers • Flight Trailblazer
Sally Ride
Challenger Orbit (Part 1)
Lexile: 650L
[1] Sally Ride loved sports and science as a child in California. She was a champion tennis player and dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. However, her curiosity about how things worked led her to study physics. She spent hours in college labs studying lasers and light.
[2] In 1977, NASA started looking for women astronauts for the first time. Sally saw a newspaper advertisement and applied immediately. Out of thousands of applicants, she was chosen. She had to learn to fly jet planes and survive underwater to prepare for the challenge.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Sally Ride Part 2: Reaching the Stars
Challenger Orbit (Part 2)
[3] On June 18, 1983, Sally climbed aboard the space shuttle Challenger. The rocket engines roared, shaking her entire body as she shot into the sky. She became the first American woman in space. She proved that space exploration belonged to everyone, regardless of gender.
[4] During her mission, Sally used a giant robot arm to capture satellite equipment in space. This took extreme precision. She had to watch multiple screens and move the controls gently. She remained focused and completed the task perfectly, earning praise from Mission Control.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Sally Ride Part 3: Sharing the Spark
Challenger Orbit (Part 3)
[5] Sally traveled around the Earth dozens of times, looking down at the blue oceans and glowing continents. She felt a deep connection to our planet and realized how precious and fragile it was. When she returned to Earth, she became a teacher to share her love of science.
[6] She started science festivals and wrote books for kids, hoping to ignite their curiosity. She wanted every child to know that they could reach for the stars. Her journey proved that passion and hard work can break any barrier.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Sally Ride Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. CHALLENGE (noun)
A difficult task or situation that tests someone's physical or mental abilities.
Example: Surviving underwater training was a tough challenge.
2. PRECISION (noun)
The quality of being extremely accurate, careful, and exact.
Example: Operating the giant robot arm required great precision.
3. PRECIOUS (adjective)
Having great value, beauty, or importance; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.
Example: Seeing Earth from space reminded Sally of our precious planet.
Mae Jemison Worksheet Name:
Date:
Cosmic Pioneers • Brilliant Doctor
Mae Jemison
Endeavour Dance (Part 1)
Lexile: 660L
[1] Mae Jemison grew up in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, she looked up at the stars and knew she would go to space. She was fascinated by science, but she also loved dancing. She studied chemical engineering and African studies in college, showing she had multiple interests.
[2] Mae wanted to help people, so she went to medical school and became a doctor. She volunteered in West Africa, treating patients and researching vaccines. Even though she loved medicine, she still held onto her childhood dream of space travel. She applied to NASA's astronaut program in 1987.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Mae Jemison Part 2: Star Bound
Endeavour Dance (Part 2)
[3] Out of thousands of applicants, Mae was chosen to join NASA. On September 12, 1992, she boarded the space shuttle Endeavour. She became the first African American woman to travel into space. This was a historic achievement that inspired millions of young girls around the world.
[4] While in orbit, Mae conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness. She wanted to understand how space flight affects the human body. Because she was a doctor, she could analyze the data with great expertise, contributing valuable facts to science.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Mae Jemison Part 3: Art & Space
Endeavour Dance (Part 3)
[5] Mae carried a few special items into orbit, including an art poster and dance shoes. She wanted to show that science and art can coexist and make each other stronger. She believed that creative thinking was key to solving the world's most difficult puzzles.
[6] After leaving NASA, Mae continued her mission to improve science education. She created science camps for kids and championed technology projects. Her incredible life proves that you do not have to choose just one path to achieve your dreams.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Mae Jemison Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. HISTORIC (adjective)
Very important in history; likely to be remembered for a long time.
Example: Mae's flight was a historic milestone for women in science.
2. EXPERTISE (noun)
A high level of special skill or knowledge in a particular area.
Example: She used her medical expertise to check the crew's health.
3. COEXIST (verb)
To exist or live together at the same time or in the same place in harmony.
Example: Art and science can coexist to spark creative new ideas.
Katherine Johnson Worksheet Name:
Date:
Cosmic Pioneers • Mathematical Mastermind
Katherine Johnson
Calculated Stars (Part 1)
Lexile: 670L
[1] Katherine Johnson grew up in West Virginia. She was a math genius who loved counting everything she saw, including steps, dishes, and stars. Because she was extremely smart, she started high school at age ten. She graduated from college with highest honors at age eighteen.
[2] In the 1950s, NASA began hiring women to do complex math equations. These women were called "human computers." Katherine joined NASA and quickly stood out for her brilliant mind. She worked in a segregated office, but her talent helped her overcome many unfair barriers.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Katherine Johnson Part 2: Double-Checking Space
Calculated Stars (Part 2)
[3] NASA soon got its very first mechanical electronic computers, but astronauts did not trust them yet. Before John Glenn launched into orbit around Earth, he made a request. He asked for Katherine to personally double-check the computer's math by hand. He said, "If she says they're good, then I'm ready to go."
[4] Her math calculations had to be perfect to ensure the astronaut's safety. A tiny error of one decimal point could send the rocket into deep space or crash it. Her extreme accuracy made John Glenn's historic flight a massive success, proving how vital her work was.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Katherine Johnson Part 3: Rocket Paths
Calculated Stars (Part 3)
[5] Katherine also calculated the flight path for Apollo 11, helping Neil Armstrong land on the Moon. She worked tirelessly, tracing mathematical paths through the stars. Her work was a crucial part of every major space mission during her thirty-three years at NASA.
[6] For decades, her contributions were mostly unknown to the public. Later in life, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a citizen can receive. Her story teaches us that quiet work behind the scenes can change history forever.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Katherine Johnson Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. BARRIER (noun)
An obstacle, rule, or boundary that blocks progress or keeps people apart.
Example: Katherine had to break through racial and gender barriers at NASA.
2. REQUEST (noun)
The act of asking politely or formally for something you need or want.
Example: The astronaut made a request for her to check the calculations.
3. ACCURACY (noun)
The condition of being completely correct and free from errors or mistakes.
Curiosity Rover Worksheet Name:
Date:
Cosmic Pioneers • Robotic Explorer
Curiosity Rover
Martian Tracks (Part 1)
Lexile: 680L
[1] In 2011, NASA launched a car-sized robot named Curiosity toward Mars. Its mission was to search for signs of ancient life. Curiosity had to survive a long, dark journey through space. Scientists spent months planning its dangerous landing in a giant crater.
[2] Curiosity carried cameras, lasers, and chemistry drills. It was designed to act as a rolling laboratory. Because Mars is millions of miles away, radio signals take several minutes to travel. This meant the rover had to drive and navigate with autonomy.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Curiosity Rover Part 2: Seven Minutes of Terror
Martian Tracks (Part 2)
[3] Landing on Mars was incredibly difficult. The spacecraft had to slow down from thousands of miles per hour to a gentle stop using parachutes and a giant rocket-powered "sky crane." This final descent was known as the "seven minutes of terror" because it was so perilous.
[4] When Curiosity touched down safely, scientists at Mission Control cheered with joy. The rover immediately began sending stunning, crystal-clear photographs of the red Martian soil. Its survival was a triumph of engineering and human intellect.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Curiosity Rover Part 3: Rolling Science
Martian Tracks (Part 3)
[5] Curiosity has discovered evidence that water once flowed on Mars. It drilled into rocks and found organic chemicals, which are the building blocks of life. Its mechanical wheels continue to roll across the dusty plains, overcoming steep hills and sharp rocks.
[6] The little robot has been working on Mars for over a decade. It has outlived its original design and continues to send back invaluable scientific data. Curiosity's long-lasting exploration has paved the way for future human astronauts to step foot on Mars.
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Cosmic Pioneers: Curiosity Rover Part 4: Word Sparks
Word Sparks Vocabulary
1. AUTONOMY (noun)
The ability to make decisions and act independently without direct control from others.
Example: Because signals take ten minutes to arrive, the rover needs autonomy to drive.
2. PERILOUS (adjective)
Full of danger, high risk, or hazard.
Example: Parachuting down through Martian wind was a perilous landing path.
3. INTELLECT (noun)
The power of the mind to think, reason, and gain knowledge to solve hard problems.
Example: It took great human intellect to program the complex Mars lander.
