Let’s take a look at renewable and nonrenewable resources as well as how we use certain properties of natural resources to make products.
Skip ahead to the Natural Resources Activities Pack!
Renewable natural resources are resources that can be replenished or regenerated over a relatively short period of time. Examples of renewable natural resources include solar energy, wind energy, timber, and freshwater.
Nonrenewable natural resources are resources that cannot be easily replaced or regenerated. Examples of nonrenewable natural resources include fossil fuels and minerals.
The main difference between renewable and nonrenewable natural resources is the speed at which they can be replenished. Renewable resources can be replenished relatively quickly, while nonrenewable resources take much longer to form.
Here are 7 teaching ideas for natural resources!
1. 🔎 Labs in a Snap
First, go on a scavenger hunt to differentiate between natural resources and manufactured goods.
Then, explore useful traits of commonly used natural resources like wood, glass, aluminum, and fruit.
Finally, explore what it means for a resource to be considered valuable.
See it on TpT: Labs in a Snap
2. 📽 Slides & Notes
Use the provided examples and images to teach students about renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Scaffolded, differentiated notes are included!
See on TpT: Slides & Notes
3. 💻 Digital Vocabulary
This free download includes 5 tasks with embedded questions in a Google Form to help students learn about conservation and natural resources vocabulary.
You’ll love the quality as well as how easy it is to use! No prep needed!
Free Download: Digital Vocabulary Lesson
4. 💬 Stations
These 9 station activities:
Read It: Reading Passages
Create It: Renewable Home
Watch It: Clean Energy
Match It: Energy Resources
Analyze It: Hydroelectric Dam
Draw It: Vocabulary
Explore It: Oil Formation
Explain It: Energy Efficient Homes
Sort It: Renewable or Nonrenewable?
See it on TpT: Stations
5. ❓Vocabulary Task Cards
Designed as a simple tool to increase student retention of important vocabulary, these versatile task cards are perfect for review!
This set includes 20 task cards, recording sheets, and an answer key.
See it on TpT: Task Cards
6. 🩴 Flipbook
Need a NO PREP science review activity? Make flip books to review natural resources.
This flip book is easy to assemble and fun to create with students as they wrap up their learning.
See it on TpT: Flipbook
7. 🛢 Oil Spill STEM Challenge
PLAN & DESIGN an oil spill clean-up with a budget and constraints
TEST the effectiveness of their materials
IMPROVE their design
RETEST their materials
EXPLAIN how oil spills are cleaned and how they impact the environment
See it on TpT: Simple STEM
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