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Natural Resources -3

The students will be able to define what a natural resource is, and provide examples of natural resources found in the United States, and other countries. 

Duration
Multiple days
Lesson Type
1:1 Lesson

Essential Question

What is a natural resource, and why are they important? - First Grade

Which country has the best natural resources and how long will they last? - Middle School 

Grade(s):

  • 1
  • 7

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:

-Smart Board
-Laptop

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

-Natural Resource Video 
-Natural Resource Worksheets (First grade)
-Pencil 
-Venn Diagrams (First grade)
-Google Slides (Middle school)
-Laptop -(Middle School) 

Lesson Progression

  1. T: Good morning class! Today we are going to be discussing natural resources. Can anyone tell me what a natural resource is, or give me an example?
  2. Allow students time to brainstorm and share their thoughts.
  3. The teacher will give a brief overview of what a natural resource is, and give examples.
  4. Students will watch video on natural resources.
  5. After the video, the teacher will direct students to their tables to work on worksheets in groups.
  6. Allow 15-20 minutes to complete worksheets and then go over worksheet as a class.
  7. Once we have reviewed the answers on the worksheet, the teacher will bring up various countries that have different resources than the United States. (Teacher should include countries in Africa, South America, etc.)
  8. The teacher will choose a country for the day, and the students will compare and contrast natural resources found in the United States and that country. (This could continue over several days, choosing a different country each day)
  9. Have students complete a Venn diagram of the natural resources found in the countries.
  10. Allow students time to share their Venn diagrams with the class each day.

Natural Resource Worksheet - First Grade

Students will circle which pictures are natural resources. Students will then explain why each picture is or is not a natural resource.

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Natural Resource Video (First Grade)

Video introducing to the students what a natural resource is.

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Natural Resources of West Africa (Middle School)

Students will explore a physical map of West Africa that includes the location of natural resources, main transportation routes, and most populous cities. Then the students will complete a chart to help them take notes on the features of the map. Finally, the students will apply what they have learned from the map to come to some conclusions about what these features suggest about the legacy of colonialism in West Africa. To launch the activity, click the "Map-Based Exploration" image.

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Natural Resources in China (Middle School)

Students will read about how natural resources in China are a major resource for economic growth and employment. Then the students will explore maps that display the location of these resources. Finally students will think of potential jobs that each natural resource creates for the country.

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The Geography and Natural Resources in Canada (Middle School)

Students will explore a physical map showing natural resources in Canada to analyze the impact of the environment on the distribution of natural resources.


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What Is Soil? (First Grade)

Learn about soil and why it is one of Earth’s most important natural resources, in these videos from NASA eClips and NOVA. Most plants and animals rely on the water and nutrients stored in soil for survival. There are many different types of soil, and each one contains different levels of living and nonliving materials. Soils that are rich in water and nutrients allow plants to grow and animals to have food and shelter. NASA scientists use information sent from satellites to study the soil and soil moisture so they can help us better understand our planet.

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Google Slides

Middle School students will use this resource to collect images online of natural resources from around the world.  Students will create a presentation using Google Slides to compare which country they feel has the best natural resources and determine why, based on social, economic or political reasons. 
 

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Google Slides Research Presentation

Students can use this rubric to guide their research presentation using Google Slides. When complete they can upload to Google Classroom.

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Assessments

First Grade - Students will be assessed on whether or not they are able to define what a natural resource is, and give examples. The teacher will be able to tell how well they know the material, by seeing if the students are able to compare and contrast natural resources found in various countries.

Middle School - Students will collect images online of natural resources from around the world.  Students will create a presentation using Google Slides to compare which country they feel has the best natural resources and determine why, based on social, economic or political reasons AND determine how long these natural resources will last.