Energy & Earth's Gifts Script

Warm-Up: Resource Riddle (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going on an adventure to discover some amazing things our Earth provides. Let's start with a riddle! Listen carefully:

I flow in rivers and fall as rain,
I help plants grow and wash away the stain.
I'm in your bottle and in the sea,
What important resource could I be?

(Teacher waits for responses, guiding them to 'water'.)

"That's right! Water! Water is super important, and it's something special that comes right from our Earth. Today, we're going to explore more 'gifts' from Earth, called natural resources, and how we get 'energy' from some of them."

Introduction to Natural Resources (Slides 1-4) (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Let's dive in! Take a look at our first slide, 'Energy & Earth's Gifts.' What do you think Earth provides for us? (Slide 1)"

(Teacher waits for a few student responses, encouraging them to think broadly.)

"Excellent ideas! Our Earth is incredibly generous. It gives us so many things we need to live and thrive. We call these 'Natural Resources.' Can you say 'Natural Resources' with me?"

(Teacher says): "So, what exactly are natural resources? (Slide 2) They are simply things found in nature that people use. They are NOT made by people. We use them to live, to build, and to create almost everything around us! Imagine trying to build a house without wood or make a glass without sand. It would be impossible without natural resources."

(Teacher says): "Let's look at some important examples of natural resources. (Slide 3)

• Water: We just talked about it! We drink it, we use it for cleaning, and it helps grow all the food we eat.
• Air: We breathe it every second of every day! It's also what birds fly through and what makes kites soar.
• Land: We build our houses and schools on land. Plants grow in the land, providing us with food and oxygen.
• Trees: Trees give us wood for furniture and houses, paper for writing, and even the air we breathe.
• Minerals: These are found in the ground, like rocks and metals. We use minerals to make things like jewelry, cell phones, and even parts of our cars.

(Teacher asks): "Now, look around our classroom, look out the window, or think about your home. (Slide 4) Where do you see natural resources around you every day? Share an example with a partner or raise your hand."

(Teacher facilitates a short discussion, affirming student responses and gently correcting any misconceptions.)

Exploring Energy Sources (Slides 5-7) (8 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Wonderful observations! Now, let's talk about something else super important: energy! (Slide 5) Energy is the power to do work. It's what makes things move, grow, and change. Think about it: your body uses energy to run and play, a car uses energy to drive, and a light bulb uses energy to shine bright! We use energy every single day."

(Teacher says): "Where does this energy come from? We get energy from different sources, and some of them are also natural resources. We can divide energy sources into two main groups: renewable and non-renewable.

"Let's start with 'Renewable Energy Sources.' (Slide 6) These are like never-ending power! They are sources that can be replaced naturally over a short time. They won't run out quickly.

• Sunlight (Solar Energy): The sun gives us light and warmth every day. We can use special panels to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity for our homes.
• Wind: When the wind blows, it can spin giant windmills, which then make electricity.
• Water (Hydro Energy): Moving water, like in a river, can also be used to generate electricity.

(Teacher asks): "Why do you think these are called 'renewable'? What does 'renew' mean?"

(Teacher says): "That's right, they can be made new again naturally! Now, let's talk about the other kind: 'Non-Renewable Energy Sources.' (Slide 7) These are like limited power. They are sources that cannot be replaced easily or quickly. They took millions of years to form deep inside the Earth, so once we use them up, they're gone for a very, very long time.

• Coal: This is a black rock dug from the ground. We burn coal in power plants to make electricity.
• Oil: You might know this as gasoline for cars, but it also helps fly planes and is used to make plastics.
• Natural Gas: This is a gas found underground that we use to heat our homes and cook our food.

(Teacher asks): "How are non-renewable sources different from renewable sources? Why is it important to think about how much we use them?"

(Teacher says): "Great thinking! We use energy in so many ways. (Slide 8) How do we use energy in our homes and schools? Think of specific examples."

(Teacher facilitates a short discussion, connecting student answers to the types of energy sources discussed.)

Activity: Natural Resources & Energy Sort (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Now it's your turn to be a resource and energy expert! I'm going to hand out an activity called Natural Resources & Energy Sort Activity. You'll see a list of items, and your job is to decide if each item is a 'Natural Resource' or an 'Energy Source.' Some might be tricky, but use what we just learned.

"Work with a partner or on your own. When you're done, we'll quickly go over the answers. You have 5 minutes. Go!"

(Teacher circulates, providing support and guidance. Refers to Natural Resources & Energy Sort Answer Key as needed.)

Cool-Down: One Big Idea (2 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Time's up for our sorting! We'll quickly review the answers in a moment. For now, let's wrap up our lesson with a 'Cool Down' activity called Cool Down: One Big Idea."

"On a small piece of paper or a sticky note, I want you to write down one big idea or one new thing you learned today about natural resources or energy. What stuck with you the most?"

(Teacher waits for students to write. Collects papers as an exit ticket.)

"Fantastic work today, everyone! You've become experts on Earth's amazing gifts and the energy that powers our world!"

Warm Up: Resource Riddle

Instructions:

Listen carefully to the riddle below. Think about what natural resource is being described. Share your guess with a partner or the class!

I flow in rivers and fall as rain,
I help plants grow and wash away the stain.
I'm in your bottle and in the sea,
What important resource could I be?

Answer: ____________________

Natural Resources & Energy Sort Activity

Instructions:

Read each item in the list below. Decide if it is a Natural Resource or an Energy Source. Write the item in the correct column in the table.

Items to Sort:

• Sunlight
• Trees
• Coal
• Water
• Wind
• Oil
• Land
• Natural Gas
• Iron Ore (a type of mineral)
• Air

Sorting Table:

Natural Resources & Energy Sort Answer Key

Instructions:

Review the sorted items to ensure they are correctly categorized as either a Natural Resource or an Energy Source.

Items Sorted:

Explanations:

• Sunlight: Is a source of energy that we can harness directly (solar power). While the sun is natural, its primary function here is as an energy provider.
• Trees: Are living organisms from nature used for wood, paper, and oxygen. They are a raw material.
• Coal: Is a fossil fuel formed naturally over millions of years and burned to produce electricity (energy).
• Water: Is a vital natural element used for drinking, agriculture, and can also be harnessed for hydro energy. In this context, it is listed as a natural resource, though its movement can generate energy.
• Wind: Is the movement of air, a natural phenomenon that is harnessed to produce wind energy.
• Oil: Is a fossil fuel, a liquid formed naturally underground, primarily used as fuel for transportation and to create other products (energy).
• Land: Is the solid surface of the Earth, a natural space used for building, growing food, and habitat.
• Natural Gas: Is a fossil fuel, a gas formed naturally underground, used for heating and electricity generation (energy).
• Iron Ore: Is a rock or mineral from which metallic iron can be extracted, a raw material from nature.
• Air: Is the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth, essential for breathing and supporting life, also a medium for wind (a natural resource).

Cool Down: One Big Idea

Instructions:

On the lines below, write down one big idea or one new thing you learned today about natural resources or energy. What stuck with you the most from our lesson?

My one big idea/new learning is:

Bonus Challenge (Optional): Draw a small picture that represents your big idea!