Natural Resources Around the World: Use and Sustainability

Grade 7

Types of Natural Resourcesp. 200-217

Renewable Resources

Definition Resources that can replace themselves even if they

have been used, as long as they are not overused

Examples Trees in forests Crops that are produced by agriculture Natural fish stocks

Explanation These resources are capable of regrowing or renewing

themselves over a period of time.

Non-Renewable Resources

Definition Resources that are gone once they are used

Examples Minerals such as gold, iron, and nickel Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum

Explanation These resources can be created only under quite

specific conditions.

Flow Resources

Definition Resources that are replaced by natural actions whether

humans use them or not

Examples Fresh water flowing through streams and rivers because

of precipitation Ocean currents Wind

Explanation These resources exist because of natural systems and

natural processes.

Activity

Copy the chart on p. 201—study the chart for 5 minutes and see if you are able to create a similar chart (in your own words) without looking at the chart

P. 202 #2

Supplying Our Demands (p. 203-204)

Key Points Many natural resources must be changed

before we can use them—processes (i.e. sawing, purifying, cleaning, refining)

Processes may require many steps (i.e. jeans – from picking cotton to shipping and manufacturing)

We use technology to modify resources The processes used to change resources

can affect the natural environment

Factors Affecting the Use of Resources (p. 205-208)

Growing Consumption – as our population and desire for more things increases we will eventually run out of non-renewable resources.

Making Consumption More Fair – The rich use more natural resources since they are able to afford them. Now poorer countries want to enjoy resources as well—they will be pressured to use the planet’s resources to supply them with products.

Concerns About Natural Resources – we are harming our physical environment.

Activity p. 207 #2

Making Resources Last (p. 208-210)

Key Points: Work to sustain them Learn about how they are used to provide us with things

we need and want Make sure our way of life doesn’t use up non-renewable

resources and does not waste renewable resources Practice the 3 Rs

Read “Go Geo-Green” p. 209

Activity p. 210 #2-3

Traditional Technology

Read p. 212-215

Some people in the world still use traditional technology.

They have very little impact on the natural environment and natural resources.

Maintaining a traditional society is difficult as desire for natural resources by outside societies has interfered with their way of life and their ability to maintain it.

Activity p. 215 #1-3

Test Next Class

Non-Renewable Resources

Minerals (p. 218-221

Mineral – naturally occurring substance found in Earth’s rocks that can be used to meet human needs.

Mineral Categories: metallic, non-metallic, structural, fossil fuels

Activities Copy the definition of minerals in your notebook. Copy the chart on p. 220 (figure 11.2) into your

notebook P. 221 #1, 2, 4