Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials from the Earth that people use — water, air, soil, minerals, and fuels. A key skill on the test is sorting these into two groups: renewable resources that nature replaces, and nonrenewable resources that run out. This lesson makes the distinction clear.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are replaced by nature about as fast as we use them, so they do not run out if managed well. Sunlight, wind, and flowing water are always available. Trees and crops can regrow. Because they refill naturally, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are attractive for the long term, and they usually produce little pollution.

Nonrenewable Resources

Nonrenewable resources exist in limited amounts and take so long to form that they cannot be replaced on a human timescale. The main examples are fossil fuels — coal, oil, and natural gas — which formed over millions of years from ancient organisms. Once we burn them, they are gone, and burning them releases pollution and carbon dioxide. Minerals and metals are also nonrenewable.

Sorting Resources

The test often gives a resource and asks which group it belongs to. Ask one question: does nature replace it quickly? Sunlight, wind, water, and growing plants are renewable. Coal, oil, natural gas, and mined metals are nonrenewable. Conservation — using resources wisely and reducing waste — helps both kinds last longer and reduces harm to the environment.

Watch: A Short Video Lesson

MAD GARDEN Science walks through this skill clearly in a few minutes. It is a helpful companion to the reading above:

A Routine for Resource Questions

1. Renewable = replaced quickly by nature (sun, wind, water, plants).
2. Nonrenewable = limited and slow to form (coal, oil, gas, metals).
3. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable and release pollution when burned.
4. Conservation makes resources last and protects the environment.

Practice

1. What is a natural resource?
2. Is solar energy renewable or nonrenewable?
3. Name one fossil fuel.
4. Are fossil fuels renewable or nonrenewable?
5. Why are renewable resources attractive for the long term?
6. What does conservation mean?

Answers

1. A material from the Earth that people use.
2. Renewable.
3. Coal, oil, or natural gas.
4. Nonrenewable.
5. They are replaced naturally and produce little pollution.
6. Using resources wisely and reducing waste.

Where This Fits in Your Science Prep

Natural resources connect to climate and the greenhouse effect and to energy sources covered with the electromagnetic spectrum and energy. See all topics on the Science Topics Hub.