Biomass Energy Infrastructure and Resources Interactive Map

• This interactive map provides information about ethanol and biodiesel power plants as well as biomass resources and infrastructure located in the United States and Puerto Rico. 
• Students can use the map to compare the availability of renewable biomass resources to nonrenewable sources such as coal and natural gas. 

Positives

• This resource offers a variety of layers (coal mines, uranium production, oil and gas wells, etc.) that students can use to build maps.
• Students can search for and zoom in on a specific neighborhood.

Additional Prerequisites

• Layers can be manipulated using the double arrow icon and the layers icon, both of which are located at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
• Students should be familiar with the terms biomass, biofuel, biodiesel, and ethanol.
  

Differentiation

• Science classes could discuss the different types of biomass plants found on the map and list the pros and cons of producing and using biomass energy.
• Biology and Earth science classes could research how garbage is being turned into biomass energy using the gas produced by landfills.
• Other resources on this topic include this interactive resource on global biodiesel and ethanol production, this lesson on the pros and cons of ethanol, and this video on renewable energy.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.