Alberta’s Natural Resources

Grade Level

Duration

45 minutes

Curriculum Alignment

Alberta Program of Studies – Science (Grade 4)

Strand: Earth and Space Science
Specific Outcome: 4-4-03
Learner Outcome: Investigate natural resources found in Alberta and how they are used to meet human needs.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify at least three natural resources found in Alberta (e.g., water, oil, forests, minerals).
Describe how these natural resources are used to meet human needs.
Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between natural resources and daily life through hands-on investigation.
Work collaboratively to explore the sustainable use of natural resources.

Materials Needed

Large poster boards or butcher paper (one per small group)
Colourful markers, pencils, crayons
Sets of laminated picture cards showing various natural resources (water, oil, trees, minerals, crops, animals) with brief descriptions on the back
Recyclable craft materials (tissue paper, pipe cleaners, cotton balls)
Containers or trays for sorting activities
"Resource Use" scenario cards (simple, age-appropriate situations showing how natural resources are used, e.g., “Using trees to build houses”)

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Engagement (8 minutes)

Begin with an interactive discussion: Ask students, “What natural resources do you think we have here in Alberta?”
Briefly share interesting facts about Alberta’s natural resources (e.g., Alberta has vast forests, rich oil sands, fertile farmland, and plenty of water).
Emphasize why we need to learn about natural resources and how they support human activities such as heating homes, building infrastructure, and producing food.

2. Hands-On Investigation Activity (30 minutes)

a. Group Sorting and Matching (15 minutes)

Divide the class into small groups of 3 or 4 (approximately 3 groups for 11 students).
Each group receives a set of laminated natural resource picture cards and “Resource Use” scenario cards.
Task: Groups match the natural resource cards with the correct human use scenario cards. Example: Picture of oil → Scenario card about heating homes or making fuel.
Once matched, groups place their cards on poster boards and decorate the board showing the natural resource and its uses with drawings or craft materials.

b. Group Presentation and Reflection (15 minutes)

Each group shares their poster with the class, explaining the connections they made between natural resources and human needs.
Teacher prompts reflective questions such as:
- “Why is it important to use natural resources wisely?”
- “What might happen if we don’t take care of our natural resources?”

Assessment

Ongoing formative assessment: Observe group collaboration and participation during the sorting and matching activity.
Presentation assessment: Listen for accuracy and completeness in the connection between natural resources and human needs expressed during group sharing.
Exit question (oral): Ask students to name one natural resource they learned about today and explain one way humans use it.

Extensions / Adaptations

For students needing extra support, provide picture cards with fewer options and partner them with a peer mentor.
For accelerated learners, add a brief challenge by asking how Alberta’s natural resources could be used to support future industries or technologies.
Incorporate discussion on sustainability by having students brainstorm “ways to protect our natural resources.”

Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

Did students demonstrate understanding of Alberta’s natural resources and their uses?
Was the hands-on activity effective in engaging all students?
Which questions or concepts sparked the most curiosity or need for further exploration?
Plan for follow-up lessons on sustainability or environmental impact based on student interest.

Notes for Teachers

This lesson brings Alberta’s curriculum to life by centring the local context of natural resources, making learning relevant and memorable. The tactile sorting and crafting engage multiple learning modalities and foster communication skills through group presentations. This innovative approach addresses the curriculum outcome: 4-4-03, promoting scientific investigation and civic responsibility related to natural resources.

Teaching Instructions