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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

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http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/16/g912/web.html

A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Science and Social Studies

Provider: National Geographic


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In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore natural resources and their geographic qualities. In addition, students also discuss and define the terms human resource, natural resource, permanent resource, renewable resource, and nonrenewable resource. This lesson has opportunities for individual practice, small group activities, and whole group discussion.

Students will:

  • analyze the relationship between the location of settlements and the distribution of resources;
  • evaluate policy decisions regarding the use of resources;
  • identify how resources can be reused and recycled; and
  • evaluate policies and programs affecting the use of resources at the local and global levels.

Xpeditions provides helpful discussion questions, detailed instructions for completing the lesson, and suggestions for assessment and extension activities.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 9–12 — Earth/Environmental Science

  • Goal 2: The learner will build an understanding of lithospheric materials, tectonic processes, and the human and environmental impacts of natural and human-induced changes in the lithosphere.
    • Objective 2.06: Investigate and analyze the importance and impact of the economic development of earth's finite rock, mineral, soil, fossil fuel and other natural resources to society and our daily lives:
      • Availability.
      • Geographic distribution.
      • Conservation/Stewardship.
      • Recycling.
      • Environmental impact.
      • Challenge of rehabilitation of disturbed lands.
  • Goal 4: The learner will build an understanding of the hydrosphere and its interactions and influences on the lithosphere, the atmosphere, and environmental quality.
    • Objective 4.04: Evaluate water resources:
      • Storage and movement of groundwater.
      • Ecological services provided by the ocean
      • Environmental impacts of a growing human population.
      • Causes of natural and manmade contamination.

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 10

  • Goal 7: The learner will investigate how and why individuals and groups make economic choices.
    • Objective 7.05: Explain the impact of investment on human, capital, productive, and natural resources.

Grade 11–12 — Geography

  • Goal 9: The learner will analyze how tourism affects the environmental/physical geography of a place, leading to both environmental deterioration and environmental conservation.
    • Objective 9.02: Identify and locate natural activities and attractions sought after by tourists.