Natural Resources Value

Grade Level

6th Grade

Duration

70 minutes

Class Size

50 students

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text explicitly states as well as inferences drawn from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3
Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7
Integrate visual information (e.g., charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Define natural resources and categorize them into renewable and nonrenewable.
• Explain the economic, environmental, and cultural value of natural resources.
• Analyze and evaluate the importance of conserving natural resources.
• Present their hands-on findings using clear, organized speaking skills.
• Collaborate with peers to create visual and written explanations demonstrating the uses and value of natural resources.

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Materials Needed

• Large poster boards (one per group)
• Printed cards with names/images of various natural resources (water, coal, solar energy, forests, oil, wind, fish, minerals, soil, etc.)
• Markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, and scissors
• Chart paper and sticky notes
• Natural resource fact sheets (short, kid-friendly)
• Timer or clock
• Clipboards and graphic organizer worksheets for note-taking (Resource Categorization Chart)
• Projector or smartboard for short video display (optional)

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Lesson Procedures

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Begin with a quick brainstorming session: Ask students “What natural resources do you use or see around you?” Capture responses on chart paper.
• Define “natural resources” clearly and introduce categories: renewable vs. nonrenewable.
• Show 3-4 short, vivid images or a 2-minute video clip illustrating different natural resources in action (e.g., flowing rivers, forests, coal mines, wind turbines).
• Explain the objective of the lesson using simple language.

Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7

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2. Hands-on Activity: Resource Sorting and Value Mapping (25 minutes)

Grouping:
Divide students into 10 groups of 5.

Step 1: Resource Card Sorting (10 minutes)

• Each group receives a shuffled set of natural resource cards.
• Task 1: Sort cards into renewable and nonrenewable piles on poster boards.
• Task 2: Using fact sheets, groups write 1-2 short sentences under each card explaining why that resource is valuable to people (e.g., "Water is used for drinking, farming, and generating electricity.").

Step 2: Create Value Maps (15 minutes)

• On the same poster board, groups create a "Value Map" around each resource card using markers to show interconnected values:
  • Economic Value (jobs, money)
  • Environmental Value (habitat, air and water quality)
  • Cultural Value (traditions, recreation, community importance)
• Groups use colored sticky notes or draw icons to represent these categories.

Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1

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3. Gallery Walk and Collaborative Discussion (15 minutes)

• Groups display their posters around the room.
• Students do a "gallery walk," moving around to read other groups’ value maps.
• Each student submits one sticky note with a question or comment on the value of a resource from another group’s poster.
• Regather students for a 5-minute whole-class discussion, highlighting patterns in resource values and emphasizing conservation importance.

Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4

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4. Reflective Writing (15 minutes)

• Students individually write a short paragraph responding to the prompt:
  "Choose one natural resource and explain why it is important to people and why we should take care of it."
• Encourage clear explanations using facts learned from the group activity.
• Collect these as an informal assessment.

Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2

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5. Closing and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick exit ticket: On one sticky note, students write one new thing they learned about natural resources and one question they still have.
• Collect exit tickets as a formative assessment.
• Assign optional extension: Observe natural resources at home or in the community and sketch or describe one next class.

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Differentiation & Modifications

• Provide sentence starters or graphic organizers for students needing writing support.
• Use simplified fact sheets or one-on-one help for students with reading difficulties.
• Create mixed-ability groups to foster peer support.
• Add extension challenges for advanced learners to research real-world conservation efforts.

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Assessment

• Informal assessment during group discussions and gallery walk.
• Written paragraphs to evaluate comprehension of natural resource values.
• Exit tickets to gauge individual understanding and questions.
• Teacher observation of participation and collaboration skills.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Was group time sufficient for deeper analysis? Adjust as needed.
• Did students engage with the value maps creatively? Consider using digital tools next time for visual flair.
• Note which resources sparked the most curiosity — opportunities for follow-up lessons on sustainability or economics.

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This engaging, hands-on lesson fully aligns with Common Core standards, encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and clear communication, and is tailored for energetic, curious 6th graders!