Natural Resources Research Project

Students research and create a presentation about a material natural resource of their choice. Students investigate:

-the resource and what it is made up of

-how the resource forms

-where the resource is distributed around the world

-why it is distributed that way

-uses of the resource

-the harvesting process and its consequences related to the environment

Included in this file is:

-project outline and note-taking guide

-peer evaluation form

-link to Google slide template for student presentations

-grading rubric

-teacher notes

-suggested research resources

This project was originally designed for use in my 6th grade science classroom. Before assigning the project, we learn about different types of resources (material and energy) (renewable and nonrenewable) and analyze a map of some common resources found around the world, and how they are distributed. I typically spend a little over a week dedicated to working on this project (60 minute class periods). The materials provided should give you flexibility as far as how much time you would like to spend working on this project in your own classroom.

**Sept 2021 Update: The link the the original student template is no longer working, and I unfortunately no longer have access to the original, editable file. Please use the Google link in the separate pdf to access a copy of the template. If you are still having difficulties accessing the student template, email me at kimberlyfrazier126@gmail.com. Sorry for the inconvenience!**

This project aligns with the following standards:

NGSS-MS-ESS3-1 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.

NGSS-MS-ESS3-4. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.

Key words: natural resources, material resources, fossil fuels, renewable vs. nonrenewable resources, human impact, resource use, conservation, earth science, earth systems, environmental impact, consequences, resource distribution, research project