Is That Natural?
Figure 1. A child enjoys a drink of water.Copyright Photo by Charlie Rahm, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Students brainstorm ways that they use — and waste — natural resources. Also, they respond to some facts about population growth and how people use petroleum. Lastly, students consider the different ways that engineers interact with and use our natural resources.
Engineers are continuously finding innovative ways to conserve our natural resources. They design energy-efficient houses that are "built-green" to save natural resources. Engineers also design hybrid cars — a cross between electric and gasoline-powered cars — for increased fuel efficiency. Also, many environmental engineers are evolving technologies that use renewable natural resources, such as wind, water and sun as primary energy sources.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Classify the Earth's natural resources as either renewable or non-renewable.
- Develop a better understanding of the magnitude of the use/destruction of non-renewable natural resources.
- Understand the impact that the world's population growth has on our natural resources.
- Describe ways in which people can help conserve resources.