What Is Tidal Energy? — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS3-1

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This engaging reading passage for middle school students introduces tidal energy, a form of renewable energy that uses the movement of ocean tides to produce electricity. The passage explains how turbines and generators work in tidal systems, the role of the moon and sun’s gravitational pull, and how tidal barrages and tidal stream systems are used. It also discusses the benefits of tidal energy—such as its predictability and low pollution—as well as environmental and engineering challenges. This engaging passage supports NGSS standard MS-ESS3-1 and builds student understanding of energy sources, Earth systems, and sustainability.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Tidal energy is a type of renewable energy that comes from the movement of ocean tides. Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth’s oceans. This movement creates powerful forces that can be used to make electricity.

To capture tidal energy, special machines called turbines are placed in areas where the ocean tide flows in and out. These turbines work like underwater windmills. As the water moves through them, it spins the blades of the turbine. The spinning motion turns a generator, which produces electricity.

Tidal energy is a predictable and clean energy source. Unlike wind or sunlight, tides happen regularly and can be forecast years in advance. This makes tidal power a reliable source of energy for coastal communities. Also, it does not release greenhouse gases, which makes it safe for the environment.

Some tidal systems work like dams, called tidal barrages. They trap water at high tide and release it through turbines when the tide goes out. Others use underwater turbines placed in tidal streams, where fast-moving water naturally spins the blades.

Tidal energy has great potential, but there are challenges. Building tidal energy systems can be expensive and may affect marine life and coastal ecosystems. Scientists are working to design systems that make clean energy while protecting ocean animals and habitats.

Tidal energy shows how the ocean’s natural movements can help power our world in a sustainable way.

Fun Fact: The Bay of Fundy in Canada has some of the highest tides in the world—over 50 feet—and is one of the best places to produce tidal energy!

What causes ocean tides?

Ocean currentsWind and rainThe moon and sun’s gravityEarth’s heat

What is tidal energy?

Energy from the sunEnergy from ocean wavesEnergy from ocean tidesEnergy from wind turbines

What part of a tidal system spins to make electricity?

SailPanelTurbineBattery

What is the role of a generator in tidal energy?

To clean the oceanTo store the tidesTo produce electricityTo measure sea levels

What makes tidal energy predictable?

The moon and sun create regular tidesTides happen only once a yearIt depends on windIt needs sunlight

What is a tidal barrage?

A large dam used to trap and release tidal waterA floating power plantA ship that collects tidesA kind of weather machine

What is the main idea of the passage?

Tidal energy is a new way to clean beachesTidal energy uses ocean movement to create electricityTides are dangerous and should be avoidedTidal energy is not helpful

A coastal town wants steady, clean electricity. What could they use?

Solar panels onlyCoal and oilTidal turbinesGas engines