Science of Biofuels – Reading

Summary

Biomass and Biofuels: A Middle School Reading Guide

This engaging reading guide introduces middle school students to biomass and biofuels, perfect for science and environmental lessons. It covers:

• • What is Biomass? Simple definition, sources (plants, animals, wood, crops, manure, algae), and how it stores energy from the sun.
  • How Biomass is Used: Direct burning for heat, making electricity, anaerobic digestion to produce methane gas, and conversion into liquid biofuels for vehicles.
  • Effects on Environment and Health: Discusses smoke and gases from burning biomass, indoor air pollution, impacts on forests and wildlife from cutting trees, and the use of water and fertilizer for energy crops.
  • What Are Biofuels? Explanation of liquid fuels made from plants, focusing on ethanol (from corn, sugarcane) and biodiesel (from vegetable oil, animal fat), and their use in cars, trucks, and airplanes (Sustainable Aviation Fuels).
  • How Biofuels Are Made: Simplified processes for making ethanol (fermentation of sugars) and biodiesel (transesterification of oils/fats), including new cellulosic biofuels from non-food plant parts.
  • Energy in Biofuels: Concept of “low energy density” for biofuels like ethanol, meaning less energy per volume compared to gasoline.
  • Biofuels and the Environment: How plants absorb carbon dioxide, the environmental benefits and potential harms depending on production methods (waste materials vs. food crops, fertilizer runoff).
  • Biofuels and the Economy: How biofuels can help farmers and reduce reliance on imported oil, but also their cost and potential impact on food prices.
  • Looking Ahead: Future possibilities for biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel and ongoing research to make them cheaper and better for the planet.

• Glossary of Key Terms: Simple definitions for important vocabulary related to biomass and biofuels, tailored for a middle school audience.

• Questions: Includes questions for basic recall, comprehension, inference, analysis, and critical thinking.

This resource is ideal for educators seeking accessible materials on renewable energy, environmental science, and sustainability for their middle school curriculum. For a complete lesson, use this with the Science of Biofuels lesson.