Teaching Earth’s resources

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Uncover the finite and renewable resources the Earth provides us with

The Earth contains many different resources that we all use and depend upon on a daily basis. It is important to consider the types of resources we are using and compare their impact on the environment.

Humans use Earth’s resources for everything, from keeping us warm, to shelter, food and transport.

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Infographic poster, fact sheet and differentiated worksheets with three levels of scaffolding. Display the poster in your classroom or on a projector. Alternatively, print it and use as a handout.

Use the accompanying resource as a Directed Activity Related to Text (DART). The resource consists of ten questions on Earth’s resources followed by calculations based on global oil production, using statistical data from BP.

Poster as pdf
Fact sheet at MS Word or pdf
Unscaffolded worksheet as MS Word or pdf
Partially scaffolded worksheet as MS Word or pdf
Fully scaffolded worksheet as MS Word or pdf
Teacher notes as MS Word or pdf

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Finite or renewable

Finite resources are those which will run out because they cannot be replaced, such as fossil fuels. Renewable resources are those which will not run out as fast as they can be replaced, such as trees. This is why planting trees is so important, as they must be replaced at the same rate they are being used up.

More resources

Use the context of lithium mining in Cornwall to test your 11–14 learners’ knowledge of separation techniques; elements, mixtures and compounds; periodic table trends with this assessment for learning worksheet.
Should we be using artificial fertilisers? 11–14 learners research, role play and debate in this Feed the world activity.
Many people think of polymers simply as plastics used for packaging, in household objects and for making fibres, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Discover the wide usage of polymers in everyday things with this resource aimed at learners aged 11–14.
Share this job profile with learners, as project manager Trevor discusses his unique role, promoting the value and uses of gold to different industries.

Source: © Dan Bright

EiC-Earths resources-Industrial processes

Source: © Dan Bright

EiC-Using Earth's resources-metal extraction

Source: © Dan Bright

EiC-Using Earth's resources-energy sources

Source: © Dan Bright

Building materials: mined mostly in Spain, slate is a metamorphic rock and is commonly used as roofing for houses. It is an example of a finite resource

Industrial processes: the Haber process, which is used to make ammonia for fertilisers, was developed in Germany

Metal extraction: Guinea has the largest world reserves of bauxite. This ore contains aluminium and gallium, which we use to make cars and window frames

Energy sources: Saudi Arabia is the second largest producer of oil, behind only the United States. This oil is refined and then we use it as fuels for cars and planes, and to heat our homes

Did you know…?

While Guinea has the largest bauxite reserves, Australia is the world’s largest producer.

Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. Reserves are an estimate of the amount of a resource that has the capacity to be extracted in the future.

Natural or synthetic products

Synthetic products, such as plastics, medicines and composites, are made by humans using chemical reactions in a laboratory. Natural products are formed from plant and animal processes, for example wood and silk.

Want more?

If you want more posters and activities for teaching 11–14 science, try these. And for support on teaching Earth science topics for your 11–14 learners, read the CPD articles.