Biomass

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/biomass

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the ecological definition?The total mass of living organisms within a defined area or ecosystem
2. What is the bioenergy feedstock?Organic matter from recently deceased organisms, predominantly plants and fecal matter
3. How does biomass help the planet?When we use biomass for energy, the carbon that comes out is almost the same amount that plants absorbed while growing, so it can keep the air cleaner and help fight climate change.
4. What kinds of things can be turned into biomass energy?Mostly plants and plant leftovers, like wood, crop stalks, and farm waste, but also algae, animal poop, and other organic stuff can be used.

Carbon Sequestration: The process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored in organic or inorganic forms.
Syngas (Synthesis Gas): A fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, produced from gasification.
Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources, often involving recycling and reuse.