Natural Resources Unit - 7 lessons + Guided Inquiry Project

Embark on an exciting exploration of the world around us with our unit on the Natural Resources - A unit that can span across 2 months. Tailored for grades 4-8, this interdisciplinary unit seamlessly integrates Science and Social Studies, offering a dynamic learning experience that empowers students to understand, analyze, and appreciate the crucial role and impact of natural resources in our lives.

Lesson 1 (Unveiling Natural Resources): In our introductory lesson, students delve into the concept of natural resources, gaining a fundamental understanding of what they are and why they matter. Through engaging in reading comprehension activities, learners grasp the significance of resources like water, air, minerals, and forests, setting the stage for deeper exploration.

Lesson 2 (Synthetic Resources Unraveled): Explore the world of synthetic resources in Lesson 2! Students investigate how synthetic resources play a vital role in everything they love to do, and where they come from. Through reading comprehension activities, learners uncover the complexities of synthetic materials and their impact on society and the environment.

Lesson 3 (Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources): Dive into the dichotomy of renewable and nonrenewable resources in Lesson 3! Through thought-provoking reading comprehension activities, students discern the differences between these vital resource categories and examine their implications for sustainable living and future generations.

Lesson 4 (Origins of Our Favourite Things): In Lesson 4, embark on a mini research project to uncover the origins of our favourite everyday items! Students explore the materials that compose their favorite objects, fostering a deeper connection to the natural resources embedded in our daily lives.

Lesson 5 (Environmental Impacts and STEM Challenge): Witness the intersection of science and environmental stewardship in Lesson 5! Through a video and a thrilling STEM challenge, students investigate the environmental impacts of resource extraction, consumption, and waste, inspiring critical thinking and innovative problem-solving.

Lesson 6 (Mapping Our Resources): In Lesson 6, chart the landscape of your country's resources! Guided by instruction and interactive worksheets, students collaborate to create detailed maps highlighting the distribution and significance of natural resources within their nation.

Lesson 7 (Launching the Inquiry Project): Culminating our unit, Lesson 7 introduces students to the captivating world of inquiry projects! With clear instructions and a comprehensive inquiry project booklet, learners embark on a journey that typically lasts about 24 classes, a journey to explore a chosen natural resource in depth. Through guided research and presentation creation, students tackle inquiry questions, synthesizing knowledge and creativity to showcase their findings.

Equip your students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to become stewards of our planet with our enriching Natural Resources unit. Ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire action as students embark on a transformative journey through the intricate web of our Earth's bountiful resources. Let the adventure begin!

What's included?

- 7 Original Slideshows (PDF and PPTX) with a total of 62 slides.

- 19 Original Worksheets (PDF) to span the course of the unit.

- Instructions For 2 Mini Projects.

- An Inquiry Project Booklet for Independent Research.

- Anything else required for this unit!