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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

The Future of Energy

Spanish Translation

Winds, waves and the sun's rays are powerful forces of nature. These natural energy sources could one day light up our cities and towns. In fact, water, wind and solar power are already being used in some places.

Scientists are scrambling to plug into nature's renewable energy sources--things we won't run out of such as sunlight and ocean waves. The earth's oil supply is limited. Oil has become more expensive.

Energy That Grows and Flows
The Flex car, sold in Brazil, is a sweet example of natural energy at work. The car can run on fuel made from sugarcane, a crop that grows throughout Brazil. The fuel is not yet as popular in the United States, where it is made from corn.

In parts of Asia and Africa, droppings from pigs and other farm animals are being turned into power. Machines break down the waste into gases that are burned to heat and light homes.

Energy from the sun helps to run factories and heat water. Rooftop panels take in sunshine and turn it into power. The U.S. military is now working on special fabrics that absorb sunlight. Soldiers could use tents and backpacks made from this fabric to recharge their equipment.

Researcher Tom Denniss is working to turn the force of ocean waves around the world into electricity. We will never run out of waves, Denniss points out. Drawing on fuel that we won't run out of is the power behind all of these bright ideas.

WHAT'S THE SCOOP?
Why is it important to find and use new energy sources?

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