Assignment Four - Distribution of Natural Resources Webquest

Introduction/Forward:

Use this linked presentation (below) to review the basic concepts of what are natural resources, how are natural resources used and distributed, what is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, and how does the use of natural resources lead to pollution.

Presentation – Introduction to Natural Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8SBcQXENLjCU1BNUzZTbHZnUVU/view?usp=sharing

State Standard:

Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS Standard) http://www.nextgenscience.org/msess3-earth-human-activity

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. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on how these resources are limited and typically non-renewable, and how their distributions are significantly changing as a result of removal by humans. Examples of uneven distributions of resources as a result of past processes include but are not limited to petroleum (locations of the burial of organic marine sediments and subsequent geologic traps), metal ores (locations of past volcanic and hydrothermal activity associated with subduction zones), and soil (locations of active weathering and/or deposition of rock).]

Task:

Now, you will select a natural resource (see Resources list below) from the list of resources that are found in the United States. Using the provided links, you will research information about the distribution of that natural resource in the United States. Lastly, you will compose both a written explanation and illustrated representation of where that natural resource is distributed throughout the United States and represent the natural and unnatural processes that contribute to forming its distribution.

Resources: 

Forestry Distribution in the United States:

http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/mdr/mapss/publications/pdf/17color.pdf - from United States Forest Service – Illustrates and describes growth predictions throughout the United States and effects of pollution on growth and distribution of this resource.

https://www.safnet.org/publications/americanforests/StateOfAmericasForests.pdf - from Society of American Foresters – The introduction portion of the document provides a synopsis of the effects of human intervention on the distribution of this natural resource throughout the United States

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=forestry%20distribution%20in%20united%20states – Google Search of “forestry distribution in United States” – find more resources in this list of results

Coal Mining Distribution in the United States:

http://www.eia.gov/coal/annual/ - from U.S. Energy Information Administration – Here is plenty of information about human intervention on the distribution of this resource. Especially be sure to check out each of the link “Production Data Tables” PDF files on the right-hand side of the page for more information about natural distribution of this resource in the United States

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Distribution in the United States:

https://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/crudeoilreserves/ - from U.S. Energy Information Administration – This page provides highlighted information about the distribution of crude oil and the distribution of natural gas in the United States.

https://www.google.com/search?q=oil+resource+distribution+in+the+united+states&espv=2&biw=1093&bih=479&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiezpye5qDJAhXPVIgKHa8aAksQ_AUIBigB&dpr=1.25 – This Google Image query provides many useful visual representations of natural gas and crude oil distribution in the United States. Make sure you always check the image’s source page to confirm the credibility of its content and publisher.

Process:

Create and share a Google Document, and describe in words how the natural resource you selected is distributed throughout the United States. Also, be sure to delineate whether your selected resource is renewable or nonrenewable, describe the effects of natural processes on its distribution (geological processes, ideal/unideal habitats/environments, etc.), and describe the effects of human intervention/consumption on its distribution.

Additionally, create and share a Google Drawing comprised of a map of the United States, and manipulations using the Google Drawing tools, to represent how this resource is distributed and being consumed in the United States. The depth of content represented in your visual representation is up to you. However, you must at least visually indicate the primary states in which the resource is distributed, the primary natural processes that effect its distribution, and the primary human interventions/consumptions that are taking place.

Rubric: 

Written Response Grading Rubric:

Illustrated Representation Grading Rubric:

Conclusion:

Now reflect on your performance, and answer the following guiding learning questions on paper as your assignment exit ticket:
What is a resource? What are some of the resources found in the United States? What is air, water, and land pollution? How do people use resources?