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.