Description should include
- Forests/plants: provide food for animals and humans; add organic matter to soil when they decay; part of the air exchange process; help cool the earth
- Soil: all plant life comes from soil; all growth comes from topsoil
- Air: essential for life; part of the photosynthetic process; oxygen in air is used by animals to convert food to energy
- Water (streams, lakes, oceans, rivers): covers approximately 70 percent of the earth’s surface; provides recreation; provides food, minerals, etc.; necessary for all life
- Wildlife/fish: part of the food chain; provide recreation for people
- Minerals: used to make hundreds of products; examples include iron, gold, salt, lead, silver
- Energy: some forms come from plant and animal remains; provided by natural gas, coal, oil, wind, and water.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What role does the forest play in your community?
- What is the impact on agriculture if the topsoil is eroded?
- What are the implications of soil loss?
- Why is clean water important to your health?
- What role do you play in maintaining pollution-free water?
- How are minerals used in your community?
- What does "nonrenewable resources" mean? How do nonrenewable resources affect you and your community?
- How does soil affect plant growth?
- What are several examples of recreation that are available due to the presence of water?
- Why is conservation important for future generations?
- What impact do natural resources have on society?