History & Geography · Grade 7 · Natural Resources: Use and Sustainability · Term 3

Classifying Natural Resources

Differentiate between renewable, non-renewable, and flow resources in the Canadian context.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Natural Resources around the World: Use and Sustainability - Grade 7

About This Topic

Natural resources are the foundation of Canada's economy and identity. This topic introduces the three main categories of resources: renewable (can be replaced by natural processes, like forests), non-renewable (exist in limited amounts and cannot be replaced, like oil), and flow resources (must be used when and where they occur, like wind and sunlight). Students will explore how Canada's vast geography provides an abundance of these resources and the challenges of managing them sustainably.

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of moving toward more sustainable resource use to protect the environment for future generations. Students will analyze the economic benefits of resource extraction alongside the environmental and social costs. This topic is best taught through 'sorting' activities and collaborative investigations into the resources used in everyday products.

Key Questions

1. Explain the key characteristics that define renewable, non-renewable, and flow resources.
2. Analyze examples of each resource type found in Canada.
3. Differentiate the sustainability challenges associated with each resource category.

Learning Objectives

• Classify specific Canadian natural resources as renewable, non-renewable, or flow resources based on their characteristics.
• Analyze the primary sustainability challenges associated with the extraction and use of each resource category in Canada.
• Compare the defining characteristics of renewable, non-renewable, and flow resources.
• Identify examples of renewable, non-renewable, and flow resources found within Canada's diverse geography.

Before You Start

Canada's Diverse Geography

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Canada's different regions and landscapes to identify where various natural resources are located.

Introduction to Economic Activities

Why: Understanding basic economic concepts like extraction and use helps students grasp the significance of natural resources to Canada's economy.

Key Vocabulary

Renewable Resource	A natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time, such as forests, water, and wildlife.
Non-renewable Resource	A natural resource that exists in limited quantities and is consumed much faster than it can be formed, like fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals.
Flow Resource	A natural resource that is continuously available or replenished by natural processes, but must be used when and where it occurs, such as solar energy, wind, and tidal power.
Sustainability	Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often referring to resource management and environmental protection.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Renewable resources will never run out.

What to Teach Instead

Renewable resources can be exhausted if they are used faster than they can regenerate (e.g., overfishing). A 'fishing game' simulation with limited regrowth can quickly correct this belief.

Common Misconception

Flow resources are the same as renewable resources.

What to Teach Instead

While both are sustainable, flow resources like wind or tides cannot be 'stored' in their natural state like a forest can. Using a 'storage vs. immediate use' comparison can help clarify the difference.

Active Learning Ideas

Sorting Activity: Resource Categories

Students are given a list of 20 Canadian resources. They must work in pairs to categorize them as renewable, non-renewable, or flow, and then rank them by their importance to their local community.

30 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The Life of a Product

Groups choose a common item (e.g., a smartphone or a pencil) and research all the natural resources required to make it. They create a 'resource map' showing where these materials come from.

50 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: What is 'Sustainable'?

Students brainstorm a definition of sustainability. They share examples of how a renewable resource (like fish) could become non-renewable if it is not managed correctly.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Forestry companies in British Columbia manage timber harvests, classifying trees as a renewable resource but requiring careful planning to ensure replanting and prevent deforestation.
• Energy producers in Alberta extract oil and natural gas, which are non-renewable resources, leading to discussions about long-term energy strategies and the transition to cleaner alternatives.
• Engineers design wind farms in Ontario and Quebec, utilizing wind as a flow resource, which is constantly available but dependent on specific geographical locations and weather patterns.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Provide students with a list of 10 Canadian natural resources (e.g., diamonds, salmon, sunlight, coal, maple syrup, wind, iron ore, forests, uranium, rivers). Ask them to sort these into three columns labeled Renewable, Non-renewable, and Flow Resources on a worksheet.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Which type of natural resource (renewable, non-renewable, or flow) presents the greatest sustainability challenge for Canada, and why?' Facilitate a class discussion where students justify their choices with specific examples and reasoning.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students write the definition of one resource category (renewable, non-renewable, or flow) in their own words and provide one specific Canadian example for that category. Collect these as students leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flow resource?

A flow resource is a resource that is neither renewable nor non-renewable because it must be used when and where it occurs. Examples include wind, sunlight, and running water.

Why is Canada considered a 'resource-rich' country?

Canada has a vast landmass and diverse geography that provides an abundance of timber, minerals, fertile soil, and energy sources like oil, natural gas, and hydroelectric power.

What does 'sustainable development' mean?

Sustainable development means using natural resources in a way that meets our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

How can active learning help students understand types of natural resources?

By investigating the resources in everyday objects, students see the direct connection between nature and their own lives. Active learning moves the topic from abstract categories to practical understanding, helping students recognize the complexity of resource management and the importance of sustainability.