Earth's Natural Resources
What are natural resources?
Materials found in nature that humans use.
True or False: Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years.
True
What is pollution?
Harmful substances entering the environment.
What is deforestation? How does deforestation affect animals?
The cutting down of forests. It destroys habitats.
You finish a plastic water bottle at lunch. What should you do to help protect Earth’s resources?
Put it in the recycling bin instead of the trash.
What is a renewable resource?
A resource that can be replaced naturally over time.
True or False: Nonrenewable resources can be replaced quickly once they are used.
False.
How does pollution affect living things?
It can make them sick or kill them.
How can farming affect the land?
It can cause soil erosion.
Your family is going to the store. What can you bring to reduce waste?
Reusable bags.
What is a nonrenewable resource?
A resource that cannot be replaced easily or quickly.
Why are fossil fuels called nonrenewable resources?
They take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly.
What is waste?
Materials that are thrown away.
What happens when habitats are destroyed?
Animals may lose food and shelter.
You’re brushing your teeth and the water is running. What helps conserve water?
Turn off the water while brushing.
Explain the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources and give one example of each.
Renewable energy resources can be replaced naturally over time, such as wind or water. Nonrenewable energy resources cannot be replaced easily and include coal, oil, and natural gas.
Describe how humans use fossil fuels and explain one problem caused by using them.
Humans use fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that cause pollution and contribute to climate change.
How can humans reduce pollution?
By recycling and reducing waste.
What does it mean to protect Earth’s resources?
To use resources wisely so they are not wasted or depleted.
Scenario 1:
Maria notices that her family drives to school every day even though the school is only 1 mile away.
Question 1:
What could Maria suggest to her family to reduce their carbon footprint, and how might her suggestion help the environment? Explain why one choice might be better than another.
Answers may vary!
Why can overusing resources be a problem?
Resources can run out.
Explain why conserving energy is important for protecting Earth’s resources.
Conserving energy reduces the need to use nonrenewable resources and helps prevent pollution and resource depletion.
Why is plastic harmful to animals?
Animals may eat it or become trapped in it.
How does recycling help protect Earth’s resources?
It reduces the need to use new natural resources.
Scenario 4:
Sam notices that his favorite electronics—phones, tablets, and game consoles—use a lot of electricity, and his family leaves them plugged in all the time.
Question 4:
How does leaving electronics plugged in affect the family’s carbon footprint? What are at least two steps Sam’s family could take to reduce it, and why would they work?
Answers may vary!