What is Biomass Energy — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned middle school science passage introduces students to biomass energy, a renewable energy source made from plant and animal materials. The passage explains how biomass stores solar energy through photosynthesis and how it is used to generate electricity and fuel. Students will learn about the processes involved, including burning biomass to create steam for turbines and converting crops into biofuels. The reading highlights the benefits, such as reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as challenges like pollution and deforestation. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-ESS3-1, the passage promotes science literacy, real-world applications, and environmental awareness.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy that comes from things that were once alive. This includes plants, wood, and even animal waste. People have used biomass for thousands of years—like burning wood for heat or cooking. Today, we also use biomass to make electricity and fuel.

Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. When plants grow, they absorb sunlight and turn it into energy through a process called photosynthesis. When we burn these plants or use their natural materials, that energy is released as heat. This heat can boil water to make steam, which turns a turbine connected to a generator to create electricity.

Another way we use biomass is by turning plant materials like corn or sugarcane into biofuels. These can be used to power cars and trucks. Unlike gasoline, which comes from fossil fuels, biofuels come from things we can grow again and again.

Biomass energy is helpful because it reduces waste. For example, farmers can use leftover crops or manure to produce energy instead of throwing it away. It also helps reduce the need for fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, which are harmful to the environment.

However, there are challenges. If too many trees are cut down for fuel, it can harm forests and wildlife. Also, burning some types of biomass can still release pollution into the air. That’s why it’s important to manage biomass energy carefully and find clean ways to use it.

Biomass energy is one more way we can use natural resources to meet our energy needs while protecting the Earth for future generations.

Fun Fact: Some cities turn trash into electricity using special biomass power plants!

What is biomass energy made from?

Wind and sunlightLiving or once-living thingsRocks and mineralsWater and steam

What process do plants use to store energy?

DigestionDecompositionPhotosynthesisEvaporation

What is a biofuel?

A type of coalFuel made from cropsEnergy from windA gas used in cooking

How is electricity made using biomass?

By burning gasolineWith solar panelsBy boiling water to make steamWith batteries

What is one benefit of biomass energy?

It never produces heatIt reduces wasteIt runs out quicklyIt uses a lot of oil