1. What is the difference between an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and a ballistic missile?

2. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this article. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

3. How far, how fast and how long did the Minuteman III ICBM travel?

4. What is the purpose of the test of the Minuteman III?

5. a) Why did the Air Force conduct this test now?
b) Who did US officials notify? Why did they do so?

6. What additional information do you learn about the Minuteman III in this article?

7. Read the "Background" below and watch the videos under "Resources." Then read the following from a Google Generative AI search result for "difference between Reagan's SDI and an Iron Dome System":

The United States has several systems that are similar to Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, Patriot missile batteries, and the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system.

Similar systems

• THAAD: A system that intercepts incoming missiles during their descent phase
• Patriot: A system that intercepts missiles at a lower altitude
• IFPC: A system that includes the IFPC High-Energy Laser and IFPC High-Powered Microwave
  Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS): A mobile system that uses a truck-mounted Iron Dome launcher

Defense strategy

The US military has a layered defense strategy that includes these systems and others. The US policy is to defend its citizens and critical infrastructure from foreign aerial attacks.

Iron Dome in Israel
The Iron Dome is an Israeli air defense system that intercepts short-range rockets and shells. The US supported the development of the Iron Dome.

Trump's proposal
President Trump proposed an "Iron Dome for America" that would include space-based interceptors. However, some experts have dismissed this proposal as impractical.

a) How important do you think it is for the US to not only have these nuclear missiles, but an Iron Dome?
b) Google results note: President Donald Trump proposed an "Iron Dome for America" that would include space-based interceptors. However, some experts have dismissed this proposal as impractical. What do you think?
c) Ask a parent the same questions (a and b)