Lesson Part: Practice - Exploring Energy and Natural Resources
Objective
Students will obtain and combine information about different natural resources, understand how energy and fuels are derived from these resources, and recognize the effects of their uses on the environment. Additionally, students will generate and compare multiple solutions to mitigate the impacts of natural Earth processes and climate change on humans.
Activity Title: Energy Scavenger Hunt
Overview
In this engaging outdoor scavenger hunt, students will explore their surroundings to learn about various natural resources and understand their importance in energy production, as well as brainstorm ways to reduce environmental impacts related to their use.
Materials Needed
- Scavenger Hunt Checklist (see below)
- Clipboards and pencils
- Magnifying glasses (optional)
- Digital tablets or cameras (for documentation)
- Art supplies (for poster-making)
- Access to a nearby park or schoolyard
Scavenger Hunt Checklist
- Solar Energy: Find something that uses solar power (e.g., solar panels, plants).
- Wind Energy: Identify a place where wind energy is harvested (e.g., wind turbines).
- Animal Waste: Look for evidence of animals that can be sources of biofuel (e.g., manure from farm animals).
- Water Resource: Locate a water source that could be used for hydroelectric power (e.g., a stream or pond).
- Trees: Identify trees (sources of timber and biomass fuel) and discuss how they can impact the environment positively and negatively.
- Plastic Items: Find plastic items and discuss their relationship to oil and environmental impact.
- Recyclable Materials: Locate items that can be recycled and brainstorm ways to reduce their impact.
Instructions
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Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin with a brief discussion about energy, natural resources, and their effects on the environment. Use the key concepts from 4-ESS3-1 to engage students in a conversation about energy sources and the importance of sustainability.
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Scavenger Hunt (30 minutes):
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with the scavenger hunt checklist.
- Set a time limit and allow students to explore their environment, documenting their findings with sketches or pictures.
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Group Discussion (15 minutes):
- Gather students back in the classroom and encourage each group to share their findings.
- Discuss how the identified resources are used to produce energy and any environmental impacts they noted.
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Brainstorming Solutions (15 minutes):
- In their groups, have students brainstorm ways to reduce the impact of using these resources. Prompt them with questions such as:
- What can we do to use less energy?
- How can we better protect these natural resources?
- What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?
- Have each group select one idea to turn into a visual poster explaining their solution.
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Share Solutions (10 minutes):
- Allow each group to present their poster to the class, explaining their chosen solution to reduce environmental impact.
Conclusion
Wrap up the lesson by reinforcing the interconnectedness between energy use, natural resources, and the environment. Emphasize that students can apply their knowledge to make a difference in their own lives.
Assessment
Students will be assessed on:
- Participation in the scavenger hunt
- Quality and creativity of their poster presentation
- Ability to articulate the impact of natural resources on the environment and potential solutions to reduce these impacts.