Uneven Distribution of Natural Resources CER Activity

This uneven distribution of natural resources CER activity has students make CLAIMS from EVIDENCE in text and maps about why natural resources are distributed unevenly. This is the perfect activity to cover NGSS MS-ESS3-1!

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Includes PRINT and GOOGLE SLIDES versions!

In this activity, students will:

• READ a short passage about a natural resource. They’ll learn a little about it characteristics and uses, as well as where it is found. Resources featured include copper, fertile soil, and oil.
• ANALYZE maps.
• Make a CLAIM based on EVIDENCE about how and why that natural resource is distributed the way it is.

Students will be able to make claims to answer the following questions:

• What is the relationship between volcanoes and copper deposits?
• Why does the Midwest area of the United States have fertile soil?
• Why do Venezuela and Saudi Arabia have lots of oil reservoirs?

Teacher Notes:

• Please note that this natural resources CER activity is not editable.
• A link to a Google Slides version of this document is included in the downloadable PDF.
• Check out more resources in the natural resources section of our shop!
• You can also shop our TPT store!

Related Standards:

• NGSS MS-ESS3-1: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
• NGSS MS-ESS3-4: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.