Science Lesson Activities for Teaching Natural Resources for 2nd Grade

Natural resources include land, water, forests, wildlife, minerals, air and wind. Some are renewable, but others are not. Conservation of all natural resources for their economic, biological and intrinsic value is an important concept for children to understand. Resources provide the materials needed for a sustainable life, but it is important to find out how to use them efficiently. Second-grade science teaches students the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources through meaningful lessons and activities.

Natural resources in each state are unique. Students should understand and appreciate these special resources. Magazines, posters and easily obtainable brochures from your state (and others) provide illustrations and photographs of various natural resources. For example, the Wyoming Department of Wildlife prints colorful brochures and posters that are free for teachers and schools. Cut pictures from these brochures to make collages. This is a good group, team or individual activity. Display the collages in the classroom or share them with the entire school by placing them in the hallway or on the school bulletin board.

After a class discussion about mined natural resources, provide chart paper and markers for students to make a list of these resources. Referring to the list, students should draw a picture that represents the mined resource. For example, one mined resource is coal. A drawing of a coal mine and perhaps a train loaded with coal for shipping makes a good illustration that reflects an understanding of the natural resource and its use. This activity makes a good cooperative learning project or also works well as an individual assignment.

Second-grade students are just beginning to learn how to write short, informative paragraphs. A simple three- or four-sentence paragraph provides practice with sentence and paragraph construct student's ion and gives feedback to the teacher on a understanding of the natural resources concept. Assign a writing assignment with the title, "Why We Need Natural Resources." Provide an example of an acceptable paragraph. Help guide the writing by supplying a graphic organizer for each student.

Provide books on the subject of natural resources. One that illustrates the consequences of using natural resources is "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss. This book discusses the negative aspects of cutting down trees. Read the story to the students and follow with a discussion about which character is right. Ask students to list the ways trees are important. Discuss lumber and its uses, oxygen released through photosynthesis, and fruit provided by a variety of trees. Initiate discussion about the consequences of cutting down trees by asking questions that require critical thinking skills.