Natural Resources
Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain. These resources are essential for the survival and development of living organisms, including humans. Natural resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or replaced relatively quickly. They include:
- Water: Freshwater from rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
- Wind: Used for generating electricity through wind turbines.
- Solar energy: Energy from the sun that can be harnessed using solar panels.
- Forest products: Wood, fruits, and other products obtained from forests.
- Soil: Essential for agriculture and the growth of plants.
Non-Renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be easily replenished. They include:
- Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas used for energy production.
- Minerals: Metals and ores such as iron, copper, and gold.
- Non-metallic minerals: Salt, clay, and other minerals used in various industries.
- Fossilized fuels: Coal and natural gas formed from ancient organic matter.
Conservation of Natural Resources
Conserving natural resources is crucial to ensure their sustainable use for future generations. Methods of conservation include:
- Reducing wastage of water and energy.
- Implementing sustainable forestry practices.
- Recycling and reusing materials wherever possible.
- Using alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Study Guide Questions
- What are natural resources?
- Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Provide examples of renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Explain the importance of conserving natural resources.
[Natural Resources] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth
Study Guide
Our impact on earth 
Worksheet/Answer key
Our impact on earth Worksheet/Answer key
Our impact on earth Worksheet/Answer key
Our impact on earth Vocabulary/Answer key
Our impact on earth
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Earth’s Systems
Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.
Earth and Human Activity
Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.
Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).