Understanding Natural Resources and Sustainability
Issues
Activity 1: Definition Sorting
Instructions: Below are different statements about natural
resources. Write “Y” for Yes if it describes a natural resource
and “N” for No if it doesn’t.
1. Freshwater found in lakes and rivers _____
2. Plastic bags _____
3. Forests that provide wood and oxygen _____
4. Metals like copper and iron _____
5. Solar energy from the sun _____
Activity 2: Why Natural Resources Are Important
Instructions: Match each natural resource with its importance.
Write the letter in the space next to the resource.
Natural
Importance
Resource
1. Water a) Provides fuel and energy for heat and power
b) Essential for drinking, growing food, and
2. Forests
cleaning
c) Used in building materials, electronics, and
3. Sunlight
tools
4. Fossil Fuels d) Supports air quality and habitats for animals
5. Metals e) Provides energy for plants to grow
Activity 3: Sustainability Issues – True or False
Instructions: Read each statement and mark it as True or
False.
1. Natural resources are unlimited, and we can use as much
as we want.
2. Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, can run out if we keep using
them.
3. Using renewable resources like solar energy can help
conserve natural resources.
4. Overusing water can lead to shortages, affecting people
and animals.
5. Recycling materials like metal and paper helps reduce
waste and save resources.
Activity 4: My Resource Action Plan
Instructions: Think of one action you could take to help
conserve natural resources. Write one sentence about your
action.
Example: "I will turn off the tap while brushing my teeth to
save water."
Worksheet 1: Introduction to Natural Resources
Activity 1: True or False
Instructions: Read each statement and mark it as True or
False.
1. Natural resources are man-made materials found in the
environment.
2. Every man-made product is made from natural resources.
3. Natural resources can be used up, so we need to manage
them carefully.
4. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of natural
resources.
5. All natural resources can be replaced once they are used
up.
Activity 2: Match the Resource to Its Description
Instructions: Match each natural resource with its correct
description by writing the letter in the space next to it.
Natural
Description
Resource
a) Found in lakes, rivers, and oceans; essential
1. Sunlight
for all life
2. Soil b) Renewable energy source from the sun
c) Solid material that anchors plants and
3. Water
contains nutrients
d) Fossil fuel that is burned to make heat and
4. Coal
electricity
Worksheet 2: Uses of Natural Resources
Activity 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Fill in each blank with a word from the word
bank.
Word Bank: petrol, food, water, plastic, buildings
1. We need ___ to grow crops and provide us with drinking
water.
2. Plants give us ___ to eat and materials for clothing.
3. Oil is refined to make ___ for cars and other vehicles.
4. Natural resources are used to create ___ like houses and
bridges.
5. Fossil fuels like oil are also used to make ___, which is used
in many products.
Activity 2: Sorting Task
Instructions: Decide whether each of the following uses
natural resources in their natural form or requires them to be
processed. Write "Natural Form" or "Processed" next to each
item.
1. Eating an apple
2. Making petrol from oil
3. Building a house from bricks
4. Drinking water from a river
5. Creating electricity from wind
Worksheet 3: Sustainability Issues and Renewable
Resources
Activity 1: Multiple Choice
Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. Which of these resources is non-renewable?
o a) Sunlight
o b) Wind
o c) Coal
2. Why are fossil fuels considered unsustainable?
o a) They can be replaced quickly
o b) They take millions of years to form
o c) They cause no pollution
3. Which of the following is an example of a renewable
resource?
o a) Oil
o b) Water
o c) Coal
Activity 2: Match the Term to Its Definition
Instructions: Match each term with the correct definition.
Term Definition
1. Renewable a) Can be replaced or replenished naturally
2. Non- b) Resource that will eventually run out if not
renewable managed well
c) The use of a resource faster than it can be
3. Depletion
replaced
Worksheet 4: Effects of Depleting Natural Resources
Activity 1: Problem Identification
Instructions: For each natural resource listed below, describe
one potential problem if we run out of it.
Resource Potential Problem
Water
Resource Potential Problem
Coal
Soil
Activity 2: Short Answer
Instructions: In one sentence, explain why it’s important to
conserve natural resources.
Example Answer: "It’s important to conserve natural
resources so future generations have enough and we don’t
harm the environment."
Answer Keys
Activity 1: Definition Sorting
1. Freshwater found in lakes and rivers - Y
2. Plastic bags - N
3. Forests that provide wood and oxygen - Y
4. Metals like copper and iron - Y
5. Solar energy from the sun - Y
Activity 2: Why Natural Resources Are Important
1. Water - b
2. Forests - d
3. Sunlight - e
4. Fossil Fuels - a
5. Metals - c
Activity 3: Sustainability Issues – True or False
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
Worksheet 1
Activity 1: True or False
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
Activity 2: Match the Resource to Its Description
1. Sunlight - b
2. Soil - c
3. Water - a
4. Coal - d
Worksheet 2
Activity 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. water
2. food
3. petrol
4. buildings
5. plastic
Activity 2: Sorting Task
1. Natural Form
2. Processed
3. Processed
4. Natural Form
5. Processed
Worksheet 3
Activity 1: Multiple Choice
1. c) Coal
2. b) They take millions of years to form
3. b) Water
Activity 2: Match the Term to Its Definition
1. Renewable - a
2. Non-renewable - b
3. Depletion - c
Worksheet 4
Activity 1: Problem Identification
Water: Shortages can affect drinking water and farming.
Coal: We won’t have enough to generate electricity in the
future.
Soil: Without healthy soil, plants won’t grow, affecting
food supply.
