1. Natural Resources Around the World: Use and Sustainability
Grade 7

2. Types of Natural Resources

3. Renewable Resources Definition Examples Explanation
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.

4. 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.

5. Flow Resources Definition Examples Explanation
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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Traditional Technology
Read p
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

11. Test Next Class

12. Non-Renewable Resources

13. Minerals (p
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