Activity Overview
A natural resource is something that occurs in nature and is used to make products that contribute to a region’s economy. Some of the natural resources in the West region are wood, salt, pineapples, potatoes, oil, and a variety of minerals. For this activity, students will create a 3-5 cell spider map that illustrates different natural resources from the West. Spider maps are an excellent tool to help students organize facts in a systematic and visual manner. To differentiate, teachers may choose to give the students a certain number of cells to create, or have the students choose between 3, 4, and 5 cells.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3-5 cell spider map explaining the natural resources of the West.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a natural resource in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/natural resource in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/W/4/7] Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/7] Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/10] By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
- [ELA-LITERACY/WHST/6-8/2/A] Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
- [ELA-LITERACY/WHST/6-8/2/B] Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | There are at least three resources in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions are accurate and complete. | There are two resources in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions are accurate and complete. | One resource is correct and the title and description are accurate and complete. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How to Relate Natural Resources to Global Sustainability
Introduction to Natural Resources and Global Sustainability
Begin by introducing the concept of natural resources and the importance of global sustainability. Explain how human activities can impact the environment and the need for responsible resource management.
Exploration and Research
Guide students in exploring various natural resources, both local and global, and their impact on sustainability. This could include discussing renewable and non-renewable resources, the water cycle, and ecosystems. Encourage students to conduct research on specific natural resources and their sustainability implications. This could be done individually or in small groups, with each group focusing on a different resource.
Discussion and Critical Thinking
Engage students in a discussion about the ethical and moral considerations related to resource use and sustainability. Encourage critical thinking about the consequences of unsustainable practices. Facilitate debates or group discussions where students can share their findings and opinions on how natural resource use affects global sustainability.
Connecting Natural Resources to Global Sustainability
Help students make connections between the natural resources they researched and the broader concept of global sustainability. Discuss how responsible resource management can contribute to global efforts like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Have students create presentations, reports, or visual aids to demonstrate the connections between specific natural resources and their impact on the environment and society.
Frequently Asked Questions about US Regions West - Resources
Where can I find city maps for major cities in the Western United States to help me navigate urban environments and locate points of interest?
City maps for major cities in the Western United States are readily available through various sources. You can obtain them from city tourism websites, local visitor centers, or use navigation apps like Google Maps or MapQuest to access digital city maps that help you navigate urban areas and discover points of interest.
How can the use of storyboards and worksheets enhance students' ability to explore the Western United States?
Storyboards and worksheets enhance students' exploration of the Western United States by providing engaging visual tools for understanding the region's geography, culture, and resources. Through these interactive resources, students can dive into the region's diverse features, from maps to historical narratives, fostering a deeper connection to the Western US.
In what ways can educators promote cross-disciplinary learning by integrating storyboards and worksheets that connect geography with history, environmental science, sociology, and other subjects to provide a holistic understanding of the Western United States?
Educators can promote cross-disciplinary learning by designing storyboards and worksheets that encourage students to explore the Western United States through the lenses of history, environmental science, sociology, and other subjects. By incorporating relevant content and activities from these disciplines, students gain a more comprehensive and interconnected understanding of the region, enriching their learning experience. This holistic approach facilitates a deeper appreciation of the Western US's diverse features and their interconnectedness.
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US Regions: West
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