VHS+Science+Lesson+07

Today we are going to learn about natural resources, the things we take from Earth to help us live. What do these pictures make you think about? What resources can you see? How could we use these resources?

A resource is something humans use to help make life better. Earth has two kinds of natural resources. Renewable resources never get used up. Nonrenewable resources can get used up.

Wind energy makes these windmills turn. Wind is a renewable resource.

The coal being mined here will run out. Coal is a nonrenewable resource.



Conservation: When we use resources wisely, they last longer.

What are some ways you conserve resources? At home or school?



= What are fossil fuels? = Fossil fuels are sources of energy. Energy is stored in dead plant material. They're generally not considered to be renewable because they take millions of years to form into energy that we can use.

Broken plants fall to the ground and pile up in layers.



In time, the dead plants start to rot.



Over many years, heat and pressure change these plants into coal. Coal is sedimentary rock that can burn.

(Petroleum)

Dead ocean plants pile up in layers. Over millions of years, these layers turn into a think liquid called petroleum.

Gasoline and oil are fossil fuels that come from petroleum. A car engine burns gasoline and oil.

Renewable resources:



Can you name a renewable resource?

What about a nonrenewable resource?

(coal)



(trees)

(oil/gas)



= Natural Resources =

Resources are things that people use to meet their needs. Natural resources on Earth can be renewable or nonrenewable.

Natural resources are part of Earth. We use them to make energy, grow food, build things, and make clothing. People use many natural resources to create energy, the power to make something change.

We use solar energy to heat buildings and heat water for cooking. People collect solar energy in equipment that holds it as heat or that turns it into electricity.

People also use wind and water to make electricity.



Windmills can pump water from deep inside the Earth up to the surface. The moving water spins water wheels. Most water wheels are used to make electricity.



We burn coal and petroleum to get electricity and heat. Petroleum fuels machines such as furnaces, airplanes, and cars. People also make products like plastic from petroleum.

Not all natural resources are used for energy. People use resources to grow food and to make things.

People all over the world use cotton to make pants and shirts.

People use wood, such as these logs, to build houses and to make fires.

Many people use cows to get milk for food, and for clothing.

Nature or people can replace renewable resources in a short time. Nonliving natural resources, such as the wind, sun, water, and air, are always around us. They will not run out.

(wind)

People cannot replace nonrenewable resources when they have been used up. Fossil fuels are one of a kind nonrenewable resource. The oil, gas, and coal we use today formed millions of years ago and are not easily renewed.



(Petroleum)

Dead ocean plants pile up in layers. Over millions of years, these layers turn into a think liquid called petroleum.

Again, people cannot replace nonrenewable resources when they have been used up. The oil, gas, and coal we use today formed millions of years ago and are not easily renewed.

By using resources wisely, people can manage renewable resources. What are some ways we can do this?



Carpooling! Try and go places with other people.

Save water



Turn off the lights when you leave the room.

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