What is Geothermal Energy — Reading Comprehension

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This reading passage introduces middle school students to geothermal energy, a type of renewable energy that comes from the heat inside the Earth. The passage explains how steam from underground is used to turn turbines and generate electricity. It also describes geothermal heating systems used to warm homes. Students will learn how this clean and reliable energy source works, its benefits such as low emissions and consistent availability, and its challenges like limited locations and high setup costs. The passage supports NGSS standard MS-ESS3-1 and promotes environmental science literacy. Real-world examples and key vocabulary help students connect scientific ideas to sustainable solutions.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Geothermal energy is heat that comes from deep inside the Earth. The word "geothermal" comes from two Greek words: geo, meaning Earth, and therme, meaning heat. This form of renewable energy is used to produce electricity and to heat buildings. It is clean, reliable, and always available, no matter the weather.

Beneath the Earth’s surface, the rocks and water are very hot. I

n some places, this heat is close enough to the surface that we can use it. Power plants drill deep wells to bring up hot water or steam from underground. This steam turns a turbine, which is connected to a generator. As the turbine spins, the generator makes electricity.

Geothermal energy is very efficient and produces little to no greenhouse gases. It is already used in countries like Iceland, where volcanic activity makes underground heat easy to reach. In the United States, places like California and Nevada also use geothermal energy to power homes and businesses.

One way geothermal energy is used is in geothermal heating systems. These systems send water through pipes underground, where the Earth stays at a steady temperature. The heated water is then used to warm homes during cold months.

Geothermal energy has many benefits, but it also has some challenges. It can only be used in places where underground heat is close to the surface, and drilling deep wells can be expensive. Still, scientists and engineers are finding new ways to make it more affordable and widely available.

Geothermal energy shows how Earth’s natural heat can be used to help people live more sustainably. It’s another example of how renewable resources can help protect our planet.

Fun Fact: Some hot springs and geysers, like Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, are natural examples of geothermal energy in action!

What does “geothermal” mean?

Earth airGround waterEarth heatRock steam

Where does geothermal energy come from?

The oceanInside the EarthThe sunThe sky

What turns the turbine in a geothermal plant?

Cold airElectricitySteamSunlight

What is a generator used for?

To cool waterTo store heatTo create electricityTo dig holes

What is one advantage of geothermal energy?

It uses gasolineIt creates smokeIt works in rain or shineIt is made from coal

What is one challenge of using geothermal energy?