Natural Resources

Why are trees considered natural resources?

• They provide valuable shade that no other resource can provide.

• Humans use them to produce paper, lumber, fuel, and other products.

• They are an important source of firewood for campfires.

• They grow back after they're cut down.

Which of these is a factual statement about natural resources?

• Someday, humans will run out of fossil fuels

• Using wind energy will make us feel better about ourselves

• As soon as they're available, everyone should drive solar-powered cars

• Fuel cells are the most important technology we've ever developed

Which is the most likely reason why soil erosion can be a major problem?

• Soil contains expensive minerals

• A region's agriculture can be destroyed if the soil erodes

• Soil is a non-renewable resource

• Dangerous, radioactive elements exist under the soil

Why isn't glass considered a natural resource?

• It isn't used by humans.

• It's non-renewable.

• It's not found in nature.

• It has a limited number of uses.

What is the key difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

• All non-renewable resources pollute the environment; renewable resources don't.

• Non-renewable resources must be refined before humans can use them; renewable resources don't.

• Non-renewable resources exist in unlimited quantities; renewable resources don't.

• Non-renewable resources exist in limited quantities; renewable resources don't.

What can you conclude from the fact that lots of research is being done into wind and solar energy?

• In the future, these technologies may be far more sophisticated and efficient

• We don't really know how solar and wind energy can be used to produce electricity

• These technologies are too complicated to be widely used

• These technologies will someday be more expensive

Which of the following is the most sensible way to conserve natural resources?

• Stop using electricity entirely.

• Bike or walk to school instead of taking a gasoline-powered car.

• Don't use any products made from trees.

• Never ride in a car.

Since it's not in limited supply, solar energy is considered a sustainable energy source. What does "sustainable" mean?

• Capable of being continued long-term

• Available to everyone

• Related to light and heat

• Related to the sun

How does recycling conserve natural resources?

• It allows us to re-use products instead of manufacturing new ones.

• It prevents garbage from being burned.

• It saves on the amount of fuel used by garbage trucks.

• It saves on the amount of plastic used to manufacture garbage bags.

Why is wind energy considered a renewable resource?

• It can be found in a variety of places.

• It costs little to harness.

• The wind can blow incredibly fast.

• It's unlikely that we'll run out of wind.