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This science passage introduces middle school students to the concept of green energy—clean, renewable energy that comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, water, and plants. The passage explains the environmental benefits of green energy, contrasts it with fossil fuels, and gives real-world examples including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Supporting NGSS standard MS-ESS3-1, the text promotes science literacy, sustainability awareness, and understanding of clean energy systems, making it ideal for science comprehension practice and classroom discussion.
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Green energy is a type of clean, renewable energy that comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, water, and plants. It is called “green” because it does not pollute the air or harm the environment like fossil fuels do. Green energy helps reduce greenhouse gases, which cause climate change.
There are many types of green energy. Solar energy uses sunlight to make electricity with solar panels. Wind energy uses wind turbines to capture energy from the air. Hydroelectric power comes from moving water in rivers and dams. Geothermal energy comes from heat deep inside the Earth. Biomass uses natural materials like wood or crops to produce power.
Green energy is important because it is renewable, meaning it won’t run out. The sun will shine, the wind will blow, and rivers will flow every day. These energy sources can be used again and again, unlike coal, oil, and gas, which take millions of years to form and can cause pollution when burned.
Many homes, schools, and businesses now use green energy to power lights, heat, and machines. Countries around the world are building more green energy systems to create a sustainable future and protect our planet.
Green energy is a smart choice. It uses what nature gives us to meet our energy needs in a safe and healthy way.
Fun Fact: The world’s largest solar farm in India can power over 700,000 homes using just sunlight!
What is green energy?
Energy from coalEnergy that pollutes the airClean, renewable energy from natureEnergy that uses batteries
Which of these is a green energy source?
OilWindGasolineCoal
What does solar energy use to make power?
WindWaterSunlightFossil fuels
What is geothermal energy?
Energy from deep inside EarthEnergy from treesEnergy from wavesEnergy from batteries
Why is green energy important?
It is cheaper than waterIt can’t be used againIt causes air pollutionIt is renewable and doesn’t harm the environment
What is one example of biomass energy?
Using wood or crops to make energyUsing sun to charge a phoneBurning gasolineDigging for coal
What is the main idea of the passage?
Green energy only works at nightGreen energy is bad for the environmentGreen energy is a clean, renewable way to make electricityGreen energy is made from gasoline
A school wants to use clean power and protect nature. What should they use?
Oil heatersGreen energy like solar or windCoal stovesGas lamps
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