Section 1: Gathering Information
Biomass Basics Web-quest
Summary
Students access various Web sites and complete the Web-quest Exploration Guide to learn
about biomass and bioenergy, including sources, uses, advantages and disadvantages, and
the role of biomass energy in regional, national, and international energy supply. Students
then create posters and present to the class.
activity 3
n subjects
Science, Language Arts
n Key Questions
1. What is biomass?
2. What is bioenergy?
3.What are the benefits and
barriers to bioenergy?
n Objectives
Biomass resources can be used for energy production.
Background
Biomass is biological material from
plants or animals that is either living
or was recently living (Environmental
Literacy Council, 2008b). Biomass, along
with other renewable energy sources, such
as wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, and
hydropower, can help to meet growing
energy demands in the United States
(U.S.) and globally. When biomass is
converted into electricity, heat, power, or
transportation fuels, it is called biomass
energy, or bioenergy. Examples of
bioenergy resources are food crops like
sugarcane and corn, grassy and woody
plants, agricultural and forestry residues,
municipal and industrial solid wastes, and
landfill gases (NREL, 2008). Biomass is a
renewable energy resource because trees
and plants can be grown, harvested, and
Should We Use Wood for Energy? •
?
did you know?
Biomass is the most widely used renewable
energy source in the world.
By the end of the activity,
students will be able to do the
following:
1.Explain some of the benefits and barriers related to
the use of biomass energy
(SC.912.E.6.6; SC.912.L.17.11;
SC.912.L.17.15).
2.Describe processes and
technologies used to convert
biomass into bioenergy.
3.Identify the role of biomass
in the national and global energy supply (SC.912.L.17.19).
4.Synthesize information gathered by creating a poster and
presenting this poster to the
class (LA.1112.5.2.3).
n Materials
re-grown in a short period of time. In addition, this process continually produces
residues, wastes, and gases.
People have been using biomass in the
form of firewood for centuries to cook
food, heat homes, and produce steam.
Currently, many people in developing
countries depend on burning biomass
to provide heat for both cooking and
warmth. Biomass can potentially provide
some U.S. communities with a local
source of renewable energy. Current
research and advances in technologies
are making bioenergy cleaner and more
efficient.
Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
• C
opies of Biomass Basics
Web-quest Exploration Guide
for each student
• Computers with Internet access for each student or pair
of students
• Headphones for each student for audio sections
n Time Estimate
1 hour
39
teacher
Assessment
Suggestions
Objective 1:
Review student answers to
the Web-quest Exploration
Guide, parts I and II.
Objective 2:
Review student answers to
the Web-quest Exploration
Guide, parts I and III.
Objective 3:
Review student answers to
the Web-quest Exploration
Guide, parts IV–VII.
Objective 4:
Score student posters using
the rubric on the following
page.
40
Teacher Instructions
Preparation
1.Read the Background Information provided at the beginning of this activity and
make copies if you plan to assign reading before doing this activity. For more
information on woody biomass and bioenergy conversion technologies, read the
Background Information in Activity 5: Case Study Jigsaw.
2.Go through the Web-quest Exploration Guide on your own to familiarize yourself
with the topic and activity.
3.Ensure that each Web site link is operational and that the video segments upload
correctly.
Procedure
1.When students are at computer stations, pass out copies of the Web-quest
Exploration Guide and provide them with the web address to open the PDF file from
the program Web site (this will enable them to utilize active hyperlinks). Also, pass
out headphones. Ask students to wear headphones during video/audio sections
of the Web-quest or if headphones are unavailable, ask them to lower or mute the
volume.
2.Review instructions with your class and make sure each student completes his or her
own worksheet.
3.When students complete the Web-quest, initiate a class discussion using the
Discussion Questions found in the Conclusion section. If time is limited, you can do
the discussion the following day or assign the questions as student homework.
4.After completing this Web-quest, ask students to create a poster using the
information they collected about biomass energy. The overarching topic of the
poster can be open to students. Students should use graphics or pictures. Encourage
students to draw, use magazine clippings, or photos and to be as creative as possible.
Students should also cite evidence and resources from the Web-quest in the poster
text. Posters can be displayed around the classroom, lunchroom, or in school
hallways.
Should We Use Wood for Energy? • Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
teacher
Extensions
n Student Poster Rubric: Biomass Basics Web-quest
Category
4 Above
Standards
3 Meets
Standards
2 Approaching
Standards
1 Below
Standards
Graphics –
Originality
Several of the
graphics used on
the poster reflect
an exceptional
degree of student
creativity in their
creation and/or
display.
One or two of
the graphics used
on the poster
reflect student
creativity in their
creation and/or
display.
The graphics
are made by the
student, but are
based on the
designs or ideas
of others.
No graphics
made by the
student are
included.
Content –
Accuracy
At least 7 accurate facts are
displayed on the
poster.
5-6 accurate facts
are displayed on
the poster.
3-4 accurate facts
are displayed on
the poster.
Less than 3
accurate facts
are displayed on
the poster.
Attractiveness The poster is
exceptionally attractive in terms
of design, layout,
and neatness.
The poster is attractive in terms
of design, layout,
and neatness.
The poster is
acceptably attractive though it may
be a bit messy.
The poster is
distractingly
messy or very
poorly designed.
It is not attractive.
Knowledge
Gained
Student can accurately answer
all questions
related to facts
in the poster and
processes used to
create the poster.
Student can accurately answer
most questions
related to facts
in the poster and
processes used to
create the poster.
Student can accurately answer
about 75% of
questions related
to facts in the
poster and processes used to
create the poster.
Student appears
to have insufficient knowledge
about the facts or
processes used in
the poster.
Grammar
There are no
grammatical
mistakes on the
poster.
There is 1 grammatical mistake
on the poster.
There are 2
grammatical
mistakes on the
poster.
There are 3 or
more grammatical
mistakes on the
poster.
Resources
• Bioenergy Feedstock Information Network: http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/
• Biomass Magazine: http://www.biomassmagazine.com/index.jsp
• International Energy Agency’s Educational Web site on Biomass and Bioenergy:
http://www.aboutbioenergy.info/index.html
• United States Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
Biomass Program: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/
Should We Use Wood for Energy? •
Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
• D
ivide students into
groups and ask each group
to research additional
information on a biomass
technology to build on
the information they’ve
gathered in the Web-quest.
Take students to the
library/computer lab and
give them one class period
to research this technology
and put together a poster
or PowerPoint presentation
to present to the class.
41
Biomass Basics
STUDENT
Web-quest Exploration Guide
___________________________________________________________________
NAME
(1 of 7)
________________
date
_________________
period
Energy demand is growing in the United States and around the world. At the same time, there is increasing
public and political concern about the future of energy resources and the impact of energy generation and
consumption on the environment.With energy demand increasing, it is important for us to know where our
energy comes from, how much we consume, and how we can contribute to energy conservation and a clean
energy future.This Web-quest Exploration Guide will direct you to several online resources related to energy.
Follow the instructions and complete the worksheet to turn in to your teacher.
I. Biomass Energy Basics
Go to the Renewable Energy Policy Projects Web site: http://www.repp.org/bioenergy/link1.htm
Answer the following questions:
1. What is biomass?
2. H
ow is biomass currently being used as a renewable energy resource in different regions of the
world?
3. Why is biomass considered a renewable resource?
Next, scroll to the top of the Web page and click on Types of Biomass.
Answer the following questions:
1. What are the domestically available biomass resources?
2. Briefly describe and provide examples of the five biomass resources listed:
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Should We Use Wood for Energy? • Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
Biomass Basics Web-quest Exploration Guide (2 of 7)
STUDENT
Next, go to the Union of Concerned Scientists Clean Energy Web site: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/
Click on Clean Energy 101.
Click on How Biomass Energy Works.
Click on Converting Biomass to Energy and answer the following questions:
1. According to the Web site, how is most biomass converted to energy?
2. What are the disadvantages of this process?
3. What is co-firing?
4. Describe the following “non-combustion” technologies used to convert biomass into energy:
Thermochemical:
Biochemical:
Chemical:
Should We Use Wood for Energy? •
Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
43
STUDENT
Biomass Basics Web-quest Exploration Guide (3 of 7)
II. Benefits and Barriers of Bioenergy
Go to the Energy Matters Web site: http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/
Click
on Biomass on the left-hand side of the screen, then click on Advantages and Disadvantages.
According to the Web site, what are some of the advantages to biomass energy?
Do you agree or disagree with the advantages listed? Explain your answer.
According to the Web site, what are some of the disadvantages to biomass energy?
Do you agree or disagree with the disadvantages listed? Explain your answer.
III. What are Biofuels?
Go to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Web site: http://www.nrel.gov/learning/
re_biomass.html
Click on Biofuels in the menu on the left side of the webpage.
Answer the following questions:
1. What is a biofuel?
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Should We Use Wood for Energy? • Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
Biomass Basics Web-quest Exploration Guide (4 of 7)
STUDENT
2. Briefly describe the types of biofuels discussed on this Web page:
Ethanol:
Biodiesel:
IV.Global Bioenergy
Go to the Food and Agricultural Organization Bioenergy (FAO) Web site:
http://www.fao.org/bioenergy/home/en/
Click on Areas of Work on the left side of the page.
Answer the following questions:
1. How and for what purposes is over 85% of the world’s biomass energy consumed?
2. What percentage do biofuels contribute to today’s road transport fuels?
Next, click on FAO Home on the menu.
Click on Forestry under Core activities.
Click on Facts and figures under the Databases, information, and resources menu and click on
Bioenergy from the left menu to answer these questions:
1. What countries have more than half of the world’s woody biomass, and what total percentage do
they have?
2. What percentage of worldwide energy consumed comes from biomass? Up to what percentage
in developing countries?
3. Why do you think developing countries use more biomass for energy?
Should We Use Wood for Energy? •
Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
45
STUDENT
Biomass Basics Web-quest Exploration Guide (5 of 7)
IV. U.S. Biomass Resources
Go to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Biomass Maps Web site:
http://www.nrel.gov/gis/biomass.html
Click on Total Biomass Resources in the United States map.
Answer the following questions:
1.
What feedstock categories for this map include?
2.
What regions of the U.S. have the greatest availability (> 500,000 tonnes/year) of biomass
resources?
V. Biomass in Your State
Go to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, State Assessment for
Biomass Resources Web site: http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/sabre/index.php
Read about the tool and select your state.
Answer the following questions:
1.
What portion of the state has the most forestry and primary mill residues available?
2.
What portion of the state has the most biomass crops and crop residue?
3.
According to the map, what type and total quantity (thousand tonnes/year) of biomass are
available in your county?
VI.The Role of Biomass in U.S. Energy Supply
Go to the U.S. Energy Information Administration Energy in Brief Web site:
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energy_in_brief/renewable_energy.cfm
Answer the following questions (you will need to fill in the year for the data provided on the Web site):
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Should We Use Wood for Energy? • Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
Biomass Basics Web-quest Exploration Guide (6 of 7)
1.
In
2.
What percentage of renewable energy did this source supply?
STUDENT
(year), what was the largest source of renewable energy?
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and under Learn More click on Renewable
Energy from 1949-____ (year).
Click on the PDF symbol for the graph titled: Renewable Energy Production and
Consumption by Primary Energy Source, 1949-____ (year).
4
1.
Answer the following questions:
In
(year), what percentage of renewable energy consumed was
Wood ____%
Biofuels ____%
Waste ____%
2.
What sources are included in the biofuels and waste categories?
3.
What are the trends in wood, biofuels, and waste energy consumption between
1990–current graph year?
4.
What do you think might account for these trends?
Should We Use Wood for Energy? •
Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest
47
STUDENT
Conclusion
Energy demands and costs
are increasing in the United
States and internationally.
Total primary energy
consumption in the U.S. is
projected to increase by
19 percent, and international energy consumption
is projected to increase by
57 percent between 2005
and 2030 (U.S. EIA, 2008a).
Increasing demands on energy resources signify a need
to utilize more alternative
energy sources. Currently,
the U.S. and other countries
are exploring renewable,
domestically available energy
sources. To many people,
the wind and the sun are
the most familiar renewable
energy resources. But, as
you have learned, biomass
represents another renewable energy source that
may help meet growing
energy demands. Because
it is a locally produced and
renewable resource, biomass
plays an important role in
initiatives to increase energy
independence. At the same
time, as with any energy
source, there are many barriers and potential disadvantages to widespread utilization of biomass that must be
considered. Go through the
following discussion questions regarding the information you gathered in this
Web-quest and be prepared
to share your thoughts with
the class.
48
Biomass Basics Web-quest Exploration Guide (7 of 7)
Discussion Questions
1 What agencies or organizations sponsored the Web sites you collected information
from and what might their bias be?
2 Is the information presented on the Web sites balanced? If not, which ones do you
think are biased and why?
3 Why is biomass an important energy resource in the U.S.?
4 Under what circumstances could biomass energy sources be considered nonrenewable?
5 Imagine you’re in charge of deciding how every acre of forest and farm land will be
used in the southeast U.S. for the next 100 years. Prioritize the following uses (1 =
most important, 7 = least important). If you can think of an important use that is not
included in the list, add it.
• Growing crops for people to eat
• Land for cattle grazing
• Land for growing crops to convert to transportation fuels
• Forests to produce wood products
• Forests to produce wood for energy
• Forests for recreation and aesthetics • Forests for wildlife habitat
Should We Use Wood for Energy? • Section 1 – Activity 3: Biomass Basics Web-quest