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- Laura Rogers
- Thursday, October 15, 2020
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Have fun exploring the earth's natural resources with kids!
Learning about the earth's natural resources is as easy as taking a walk and talking about what you observe together!
What is a natural resource? The earth is made of different materials, including rocks, sand, soil, and water. These resources come from the earth and can be used for different purposes. They also have observable properties that we can classify and explore.
Here are some points to ponder:
- Rocks, sand, soil, and water are examples of natural resources.
- Natural resources are things that people use that come from the earth.
- Natural resources can be conserved.
How will I know my child has met this first-grade science standard?
- My child can compare the properties of earth materials including rocks, sand, soils, and water.
- My child can use a map or model to show water distributed on land such as oceans, rivers & streams, or lakes & ponds.
- My child can classify bodies of water such as oceans and rivers.
- My child can answer questions about how the movement of water can change the shape of land.
- My child can summarize how natural resources are used in different ways such as soil and water grow plants, rocks can be used to build roads and buildings, and sand is used to make glass.
- My child can explain how natural resources can be conserved such as recycling, replanting trees, reducing the use of plastic, etc.
Activities and Multimedia:
Watch the videos below to introduce natural resources, then check out these great conservation activities.
Books to Read:
The titles below will help you and your child explore and discuss natural resources. Want us to pull books for you? Contact us at 803-799-9084 and request to have books sent to your nearest Richland Library location.
Eyewitness Rock & Mineral
Published in 2006
Learn amazing facts about rocks, gems, and the Earth itself.
Rocks and Minerals
Facts at Your Fingertips.
Published in 2012
"Profiles nearly 200 types of rocks and minerals from volcanic rocks and granite to sparkling diamonds and explosive sulfur, and tells what they are made of, how they are formed and what they are used for"-- Provided by publisher.
Water Conservation.
Published in 2009
A Rock is Lively
Published in 2012
Introduces readers to rocks and minerals, describing how they are created, what they can be used for, and their different forms and types.
Buried Sunlight
How Fossil Fuels Have Changed the Earth
Published in 2014
"It's time to learn about the role of carbon and fossil fuels on planet Earth! As much as our news is packed with articles about the importance of fossil fuels to the world economy and the global warming caused by increased carbon emissions, few people understand what is happening. Now Bang and Chisholm present a clear, concise explanation of the fossil-fuel energy cycle that began with the sun and now runs most of the manufacturing, transportation, and energy use in our world. Here is a stunning, simple book that will educate readers about how fossil fuels are really buried sunlight--energy caught from the sun by plants that were later trapped deep underground for millions of years. Now that this plant matter has been transformed into fuel, humans have been digging it up, changing the fragile dynamic that fulfills the global needs of all living things. In this fourth book of the award-winning "Sunlight Series," Bang and Chisholm share yet another example of the intricate connection between the sun and life itself. Using a narrative approach and gorgeous paintings, this very important story will engage readers and provide educators with a highly effective teaching tool. A wonderful addition to any library!"-- Provided by publisher.
The Great Kapok Tree
A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest
Published in 1990
The many different animals that live in a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rainforest try to convince a man with an ax of the importance of not cutting down their home.
Grand Canyon
Published in 2017
"An exploration of the Grand Canyon on a grand scale, as only Jason Chin can illustrate and explain."-- Provided by publisher.
The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge
Published in 2010
Ms. Frizzle takes her kids on a whirlwind tour, from the Arctic to the equator so they can see telltale signs of climate change.
Earth's Treasures
Rocks and Minerals
Published in 2014
The various types of rocks found in our planet are presented together with information about minerals, gemstones, fossilization, the rock cycle, and more.
Out of the Ice
How Climate Change is Revealing the Past
Published in 2018
"Full of intriguing stories (and the occasional dead body), this is a science book for even the most reluctant non-fiction reader. As the Earth's climate continues to warm, the permafrost melts, glaciers are receding and ice patches are shrinking. It is a unique time on our planet, one that has resulted in a treasury of preserved organic material (e.g., caribou droppings and human and animal remains) and inorganic artifacts (e.g., tools and clothing) is being revealed by the big melt, providing us with entirely new information about how people and animals lived up to several thousand years ago. But it's a race against time for archaeologists because as soon as the objects begin to thaw, they also begin to disintegrate. Out of the Ice is well organized into 13 2-page chapters of snappy and clearly written text complemented by a combination of exciting, full-colour illustrations and eye-popping photos. A table of contents, timeline, references, glossary and index are also included."-- Provided by publisher.
Repurpose It
Invent New Uses for Old Stuff
Published in 2012
"Explains the principles of inventing and provides photo-illustrated instructions for making a variety of projects that recycle and reuse materials"--Provided by publisher.
Where Once There Was a Wood
Published in 1996
Examines the many forms of wildlife that can be displaced if their environment is destroyed by development and discusses how communities and schools can provide spaces for them to live.
Mapping Penny's World
Published in 2000
After learning about maps in school, Lisa maps all the favorite places of her dog Penny.
True Green Kids
100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet
Published in 2008
Presents an overview of global warming and describes eighty simple ways to be more environmentally friendly in the bedroom, in the house, at school, and on vacation.
Nibbles
A Green Tale
Published in 2010
Every guinea pig in Dandeville loves to eat dandelion leaves until there is only one plant left, and Nibbles secretly and carefully tends this treasure until he can share the seeds with his community.
My Grandpa and the Sea
Published in 1990
When Grandpa, a traditional fisherman, is forced from his livelihood because increasingly efficient technology has depleted his island's supply of fish, he creates an ecologically sound solution by starting a sea moss farm.
Meg and Dad Discover Treasure in the Air
Published in 1995
While walking in the woods, Meg and her dad find some ancient rocks that were important in creating the oxygen that supports life on our planet.
Conservation
Published in 2004
Describes some of the earth's natural resources, their importance, and how they can be safeguarded.
Land Preservation
Published in 2004
Discusses how human use of land and increasing population have threatened natural landscapes and describes the establishment of national parks as a means of preserving these resources.
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
Published in 2008
Since the Cook Shop is closed, the reader is led around the United States to gather coal, cotton, granite, and other natural resources needed to make the utensils for preparing a cherry pie.
National Audubon Society First Field Guide. Rocks and Minerals
Published in 1998
Detailed full-color spreads help beginning naturalists observe and understand over 150 types of rocks and minerals.
Why Are the Ice Caps Melting?
The Dangers of Global Warming
Published in 2006
Tells about the greenhouse effect, recycling, and what you can do to help fight global warming.
Hiking Day
Published in 2018
A little girl and her family go hiking up a nearby mountain for the very first time.
Global Warming
Published in 2008
Examines the problem of global warming, its causes, and ways to prevent the situation from getting worse.
A Rock Can Be...
Published in 2015
"Rocks may seem like boring, static objects--until you discover that a rock can spark a fire, glow in the dark, and provide shelters of all shapes and sizes. Laura Purdie Salas's lyrical rhyming text and Violeta Dabija's ... illustrations show how rocks decorate and strengthen the world around them"--Amazon.com.
Water Can Be--
Published in 2014
"This picture book poetically explores the many things water can be--from home maker and ship breaker to cloud fluffer and fire snuffer. Backmatter provides additional explanations."-- Provided by publisher.
What Are Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans?
Published in 2014
Large bodies of water are all around us: rivers flow through our towns and cities, inland lakes collect pools of fresh water, and the salty ocean covers nearly two-thirds of the Earth's surface. In this volume, readers will learn about the importance of these three natural sources of water, as well as their similarities and differences. Emphasis is also placed on the relationship between humans and these various water sources, both in terms of constructive use of these precious resources and the risks inherent in pollution. Readers will walk away with a better comprehension of the science behind bodies of water and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
What is a Landform?
Published in 2014
Landforms is the term used to describe the various features, shapes, and types of land that cover more than a quarter of the Earth's surface. In this fascinating book, readers can find out about the variety of land formations found around the world-including plains, mountains, canyons, and caves. In line with the Common Core Standards for reading skills, key information is highlighted in detailed captions, text boxes, and a glossary, all of which guide readers in connecting ideas about different landforms.
Fossil Fuel Power
Published in 2012
Describes fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal; discusses how they are turned into fuel and electricity, and discusses the environmental effects of using fossil fuels.
Money Down the Drain.
Published in 2012
Wendy Was Always Being Forgetful. She Never Turns Off Lights, Or The TV And Always Leaves The Fridge Open When Searching For A Snack. When Her Mom Tells Here That Is Like Throwing Money Down The Drain Wendy Finally Thinks She Understands. She Starts To Empty The Money From Her Piggy Bank Down The Drain Until Her Mom Explains That Was Just A Figure Of Speech. Teaching Focus, Words To Know Before You Read, Comprehension And Extension Activities. Inside Front And Back Cover Parent And Teacher Support.
Oceans
Published in 2004
Describes the landforms beneath the ocean's surface, marine plant and animal habitats, and how nature and people have changed the seas.
Janice VanCleave's Rocks and Minerals
Mind-boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects
Published in 1996
Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!
Published in 2009
Buddy likes looking at and collecting rocks. Mama suggests they visit the local nature center. They hike the Blue Diamond Trail to five rock stops. They meet Roxie, a Rock Ridge Ranger. Buddy learns lots about bedrock, erosion, and how rocks are formed. He finds out many surprising things about rocks.
Precious Water
A Book of Thanks
Published in 2002
A young girl celebrates our most precious natural resource, describes the sources of water and its importance to all living things, and expresses her gratitude for this gift of nature.
Do you want to explore other first grade SC Science standards?