Power Patrol Reading Passage
Grade 3 Science Explorer
Name: Date:
Earth & Energy Science
Power Patrol: Earth's Energy Battle
How do we power our homes, schools, and cities?
Every time you flip a light switch, play a video game, or ride a school bus, you are using energy! But where does all that electricity and power come from? Today, we get power in two very different ways: from fossil fuels buried deep underground, and from renewable energy given to us by nature!
Fossil Fuels: The Underground Giants
Millions of years ago, prehistoric plants and tiny sea creatures died and were buried under heavy mud and rock. Over a very long time, heat and pressure turned them into three fossil fuels:
1
Coal
A hard black rock dug from deep mines and burned in big power plants.
2
Oil (Petroleum)
A dark liquid pumped out of the ground to make gasoline for cars.
3
Natural Gas
A hidden trapped gas trapped underground, piped into stoves and furnaces.
The Problem: Fossil fuels are non-renewable. Once we burn them all, they are gone forever! Burning them also makes smoke that pollutes our air and warms our planet.
Renewable Energy: The Forever Friends
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that never run out and do not cause dirty smoke. Nature replaces them every single day!
1. Solar Power (The Sun)
Shiny solar panels catch sunlight and turn light rays directly into clean electricity. They work great on sunny days and rooftops!
2. Wind Power (The Breeze)
Breezes push giant windmill blades called wind turbines. When the blades spin around, a generator creates clean power!
3. Geothermal Power (Earth Heat)
"Geo" means Earth and "thermal" means heat. Deep underground, Earth is super hot! Steam and hot water can heat homes and turn generators.
4. Hydropower (Rushing Water)
"Hydro" means water. Rushing river water pushes through giant dams. The strong flowing water spins turbines to create massive energy!
Word Detective: Renewable means it can be remade or replenished quickly by nature. Non-renewable means once it is used up, it cannot be replaced in our lifetime!
Unit: Natural Resources & Earth Systems Turn to Page 2 for Comprehension Questions → Page 1 of 2
Reading Comprehension
Energy Explorer Mission Check
Student Name:
1
Quick Check: Choose the Best Answer
1. What makes an energy source "renewable"?
A It takes millions of years to make.
B Nature replaces it quickly and it won't run out.
C It must be dug out of deep underground mines.
2. Which alternative power source uses heat from deep inside the Earth?
A Geothermal power
B Solar power
C Wind power
3. Why do scientists want us to use more renewable energy instead of fossil fuels?
A Renewable energy creates dirty smoke.
B Fossil fuels will last forever.
C Renewables are clean and do not run out.
2
Energy Sort: Write R for Renewable or F for Fossil Fuel
Source
Description / Clue
Your Answer
Coal
A black rock mined from underground that creates smoke when burned.
Solar
Catches rays of light from the sun using glass panels on rooftops.
Hydropower
Uses rushing river water flowing through a giant dam to spin turbines.
Natural Gas
Trapped underground; piped to kitchens and furnaces to burn for heat.
3
Think Like a Scientist (Short Answer)
A. If your school principal wanted to switch to clean energy, which alternative power source (solar, wind, geothermal, or hydropower) would you recommend for your school? Give one good reason why.
B. Why are coal, oil, and natural gas called "fossil" fuels? Where did their energy originally come from?
Great work, Energy Explorer! Turn this worksheet in to your teacher.
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