Natural Resources Exploration

Lesson Overview

Duration: 40 minutes
Grade Level: 7th Grade
Subject: Social Studies - Geography
Curriculum Area: Ontario Curriculum, Grade 7, B3: Understanding Geographic Context: Using Natural Resources

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of different types of natural resources.
2. Identify sources and uses of these resources.
3. Describe some effects of the extraction and use of these resources.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed world maps (one for each student)
• A set of natural resource cards (examples of resources such as coal, water, wood, wind, etc.)
• Chart paper and markers
• Video clip on natural resource extraction (3-5 minutes)
• Exit tickets

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a quick discussion: "What is a natural resource?" Elicit responses and write key terms on the board.
• Explain that today's lesson will explore different types of natural resources, their uses, and the effects of their extraction and usage.

Activity 1: Resource Mapping (10 minutes)

• Distribute world maps and a set of natural resource cards to each student.
• Ask students to locate and mark on their maps where specific resources can be found globally (e.g., oil in the Middle East, forests in Canada).
• Discuss as a class the diversity of resources and how they’re spread around the world.

Activity 2: Real World Connections (10 minutes)

• Show a short video clip demonstrating the extraction process of a specific natural resource (e.g., mining for coal or drilling for oil).
• Conduct a brief class discussion on the key points:
  • What did students notice about the extraction process?
  • What are some potential environmental impacts?

Activity 3: Group Work - Effects Brainstorm (10 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups of four to five.
• Give each group chart paper and markers.
• Assign each group a resource (e.g., water, coal, timber).
• Have students list and discuss the uses of their resource and brainstorm the effects of its extraction and use.
• Groups will present one major effect of their resource extraction to the class.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Recap the lesson: Highlight the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Discuss briefly why it's important to manage and conserve natural resources.

Assessment

• Hand out exit tickets and ask students to write one surprising thing they learned about natural resources and one question they still have.
• Collect tickets to gauge understanding and gather feedback for future lessons.

Differentiation Strategies

• For visual learners: Use visuals such as maps, videos, and illustrations to support learning.
• For tactile learners: Use physical maps and resource cards for hands-on exploration.
• For students needing extra support: Pair with peers for group work and ensure they receive clear, concise instructions.

Extension Activities

• Encourage interested students to research and present on a local natural resource and its impact on their community.
• Propose a model project where students create a sustainable plan for using a specific resource in their community.

This lesson plan aims to engage students actively, foster critical thinking about the Earth's resources, and align closely with the Ontario Curriculum expectations.