Where We Get Energy

Where We Get Energy

Introduction We use energy for many of the things we do every day. Energy lights, heats, and cools our homes and schools. It allows things to move around. You need energy to run and play. You need energy to think and sleep. Where does this energy come from?

Energy comes from many kinds of important natural resources. Sunlight is our most important natural resource. Coal, natural gas, and oil are natural resources, too. So are things like plants, wind, and water.

Energy from Food Sources You get energy from foods you eat. Animals you eat may get energy from the plants they eat. Plants use energy from the Sun to make their own food. Plants can store the food they make in roots, stems, and leaves.

Energy from Gasoline Most cars, trucks, planes, and trains get energy from gasoline. Gasoline is made from oil. Oil is a natural resource found deep underground. Wells pump oil up from the ground. Factories change the oil into gasoline.

Electricity Electricity is a kind of energy. We use electricity to run many things that we use every day. How do we get electricity?