Earth's Natural Resources: A Balancing Act

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 5:40 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the distribution and usage of Earth's natural resources, differentiating between renewable and non-renewable resources and the impact of human activity.

Video Resource

ESS3A - Natural Resources

Bozeman Science

Duration: 5:40
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Renewable Resources
  • Non-Renewable Resources
  • Resource Distribution
  • Impact of Human Activity
  • Sustainable Practices

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
  • Students will be able to explain the uneven distribution of natural resources on Earth.
  • Students will be able to analyze the impact of human activities on the availability and sustainability of natural resources.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the shift from non-renewable to renewable resources and the role of technology and regulation.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they consider essential for survival. Lead a brief discussion on where these necessities come from, introducing the concept of natural resources.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Bozeman Science video 'ESS3A - Natural Resources'. Instruct students to take notes on key concepts, especially the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources and their distribution.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion based on the video. Focus on the challenges of resource distribution and the impact of human consumption. Use the provided discussion questions.
  • Interactive Exercise: Resource Mapping (15 mins)
    Students will work in small groups to research the distribution of a specific natural resource (e.g., oil, fresh water, rare earth minerals). Each group will create a map illustrating the resource's distribution and present their findings to the class.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (8 mins)
    Review the key concepts. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Resource Mapping
    Students research and map the distribution of a specific natural resource, presenting their findings and discussing the implications of its distribution.
  • Sustainable Design Challenge
    Students design a sustainable solution to a local resource management problem (e.g., water conservation, waste reduction, renewable energy adoption).

Discussion Questions

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable versus non-renewable resources?
  • How does the uneven distribution of resources affect global politics and economics?
  • What are some potential solutions to the challenges of resource depletion and environmental degradation?
  • How can individuals contribute to more sustainable resource management?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?

Correct Answer: Oil

Question 2:

The uneven distribution of natural resources on Earth is primarily due to:

Correct Answer: Geological processes

Question 3:

Burning fossil fuels contributes to which environmental problem?

Correct Answer: Greenhouse gas emissions

Question 4:

What is a major factor driving the shift from non-renewable to renewable resources?

Correct Answer: Technological advancements

Question 5:

Which of the following is a benefit of using renewable resources?

Correct Answer: They are sustainable

Question 6:

What is the purpose of implementing regulations regarding resource usage?

Correct Answer: To ensure fair and effective resource management

Question 7:

Which of the following is essential for growing corn?

Correct Answer: Nutrients from the soil

Question 8:

What is one challenge associated with the increasing global population?

Correct Answer: Increased resource demand

Question 9:

Which of the following is a type of renewable energy?

Correct Answer: Geothermal

Question 10:

Why are natural resources important?

Correct Answer: They provide materials we require to live

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

__________ resources are replenished within a human lifetime.

Correct Answer: Renewable

Question 2:

__________ resources, like oil, take millions of years to form.

Correct Answer: Non-renewable

Question 3:

The distribution of natural resources is __________ across the planet.

Correct Answer: uneven

Question 4:

Burning __________ releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Correct Answer: fossil fuels

Question 5:

__________ energy is derived from the internal heat of the Earth.

Correct Answer: Geothermal

Question 6:

Regulations are needed to ensure resources are used __________ and __________.

Correct Answer: fairly, effectively

Question 7:

Food requires resources from the __________, __________, and __________.

Correct Answer: land, air, water

Question 8:

As the global __________ increases, so does the demand for resources.

Correct Answer: population

Question 9:

Fossil fuels store energy from ancient __________.

Correct Answer: rainforests

Question 10:

__________ allow us to shift from nonrenewable to renewable resources.

Correct Answer: Technology

Educational Standards

ES.ESS3.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate effect human activity. ES.ESS3.2:[Standard] Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost- benefit ratios on large and small scales.* ES.ESS3.5:[Standard] Construct a scientific explanation from evidence for how geological processes cause uneven distribution of natural resources.

Teaching Materials

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