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What Is Biofuel? — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS3-1

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This NGSS-aligned middle school science passage explains what biofuel is, how it is made, and why it is important as a clean, renewable energy source. The text introduces students to key types of biofuel—ethanol and biodiesel—explains how they are produced from plants and natural waste, and highlights their environmental benefits and challenges. Supporting NGSS standard MS-ESS3-1, the passage promotes energy literacy, vocabulary development, and real-world understanding of sustainable energy solutions through engaging examples and clear explanations.

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Biofuel is a type of renewable energy made from things that were once alive. It is a fuel created from plants, vegetable oils, and

. Because it comes from natural materials, biofuel is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Biofuel stores energy from the sun. Plants absorb sunlight and turn it into energy through a process called photosynthesis. When these plants are turned into fuel, they release that stored energy to power vehicles and machines. This makes biofuel a smart way to use the energy that nature provides.

There are two main types of biofuel: ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is usually made from corn or sugarcane and is often mixed with gasoline to power cars. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils or animal fats and can be used in trucks and buses.

Biofuels are helpful because they can be made again and again using crops and natural waste. They produce fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels, which helps protect the environment. Many countries use biofuels to lower pollution and reduce their need for oil.

However, there are also challenges. Growing large amounts of crops for fuel can use up valuable land and water. It can also affect food prices if crops are used for fuel instead of food. That’s why scientists are working on new ways to make biofuel from waste materials and non-food plants.

Biofuel is one way people are using science and nature to create a sustainable future. It shows how living things can help us meet our energy needs in a cleaner, renewable way.

Fun Fact: Some airplanes have flown using biofuel made from algae and cooking oil!

What is biofuel made from?

Rocks and mineralsWind and waterLiving or once-living thingsElectricity

What process helps plants store energy from the sun?

DigestionPhotosynthesisEvaporationFermentation

What is ethanol made from?

Oil and gasWater and steamCorn or sugarcaneTrees and bark

What is biodiesel made from?

Animal furVegetable oils or animal fatsSolar panelsCoal

Why is biofuel considered better than fossil fuels?

It is cheaperIt never runs outIt creates less pollutionIt makes more smoke

What is one challenge of using biofuel?

It breaks machinesIt uses lots of land and waterIt is always toxicIt is made from coal

What is the main idea of the passage?

Biofuel is a type of fossil fuelBiofuel is an old way of making fireBiofuel is made from plants and helps reduce pollutionBiofuel causes more problems than benefits

A school bus runs on vegetable oil instead of diesel. What kind of fuel is it using?

BiodieselEthanolGasolineSolar energy