Natural Resources and Human Impact Worksheets

Grade 4 Science 12 Printable Worksheets 100% FREE

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Natural resources are the materials and energy that come from Earth and help people live every day. In Grade 4 science (NGSS 4-ESS3), students sort these resources into two groups: renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and trees, are replaced by nature in a short time, especially when humans replant forests or protect water cycles. Nonrenewable resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are called fossil fuels because they formed from ancient plants and animals over millions of years. People use natural resources for energy, transportation, food, building materials, and manufacturing tools. However, these uses can also cause problems. Burning fossil fuels creates air pollution, mining and farming can destroy habitats, and trash can pollute water and harm marine life. Cutting too many trees leads to deforestation, which damages ecosystems and forces animals to move. Grade 4 students also learn about conservation actions that help solve these problems. Reducing, reusing, and recycling materials saves resources and reduces waste. Solar panels and wind turbines provide clean, renewable energy. Replanting forests, creating nature reserves, and joining cleanup efforts protect habitats and species. By making sustainable choices, students become careful stewards of Earth's natural resources for the future.

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Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. The sun, wind, water, and trees are examples of

2. Moving water in rivers can spin turbines to make

3. When loggers cut down trees, replanting new trees is called

4. Sunlight that hits solar

Part C: Short Answer

Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. Coal, oil, and natural gas are called

2. A resource that cannot be replaced quickly by nature is called

3. People burn

4. Fossil fuels took about

Part C: Short Answer

Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. Smoke from cars and trucks creates

2. When trash and oil enter rivers, they cause

3. Plastic bottles tossed in a park become

4. Factory

Part C: Short Answer

Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. Humans burn coal and natural gas at power plants to make

2. Cars, trucks, and airplanes use fuel for

3. Wood from trees is used to build

4. Cutting down large areas of forest is called

5. When forests are cleared, animals lose their natural

6. Smoke and waste that harm air, water, or land is called

7. Soil, sun, and water help farmers grow

8. Iron, copper, and other

9. Burning fossil fuels can release gases that cause air

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Coal at a power plant

→

Air pollution from exhaust

Tree wood and lumber

→

Building houses and furniture

Soil and freshwater

→

Generating electricity

Cars burning gasoline

→

Growing food crops

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. Trash and chemicals dumped into rivers cause water

2. When trees are cut down too quickly, the result is

3. An

4. Mining for coal can disturb the

5. Smoke from burning fuels rises into the

6. Oil spills from tanker ships can coat ocean animals like

7. Litter on beaches harms turtles, dolphins, and other

8. Too much plastic in oceans is a serious form of

9. When a forest is cleared, the

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Cutting many trees

→

Marine pollution and litter

Oil spill in the ocean

→

Air pollution

Smokestacks at a factory

→

Habitat loss for forest animals

Plastic trash on a beach

→

Harm to seabirds and fish

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. Bees

2. Forests release

3. Clean

4. A community of living things and their environment is called an

5. The variety of plants and animals in an area is called

6. Tree roots hold

7. Farmers need bees and clean water to grow healthy

8. Cutting down too many trees can hurt animal

9. Saving resources for the future is called

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Bees

→

Pollinate flowering crops

Forests

→

Release oxygen into the air

Clean water

→

Used for drinking and farming

Soil

→

Holds nutrients for plant roots

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

6. Living in a way that protects Earth long term is called

7. Your carbon

8. Wind, sun, and water are

9. Coal, oil, and gas are

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Electric car

→

Runs on a rechargeable battery

Solar panel

→

Turns sunlight into electricity

Water filtration plant

→

Cleans water for safe drinking

Recycling center

→

Sorts materials to be reused

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. Which choice is the best example of conserving a natural resource?

2. Which energy source is renewable and produces almost no air pollution?

3. What is the main goal of recycling paper, plastic, and metal?

4. Which action best protects animal habitats in a forest?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. The three Rs of conservation are reduce, reuse, and

2. Tall

3. Using resources carefully so they last for the future is called

4. Planting new trees to replace ones that were cut is called

5. A way of life that meets needs without using up resources is

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. A town wants to lower air pollution. Which plan helps the most?

2. Which action helps clean up a polluted river ecosystem?

3. Why do many countries protect rainforests as nature reserves?

4. Which choice is the best example of a sustainable habit?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. Solar panels and

2. Volunteers who pick up beach litter help reduce ocean

3. An area set aside to protect plants and animals is a nature

4. Reusing a water bottle instead of buying new ones reduces

5. Making choices today that protect Earth for the future is being a good

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. What is a trade-off of switching to solar power right now?

2. Why do some communities still rely on fossil fuels even though they pollute?

3. What does it mean to balance development with conservation?

4. Which choice supports both jobs and the environment best?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. Choosing what to give up to gain something else is called a

2. Saving forests, rivers, and wildlife for the future is called

3. Living in a way that lasts without harming the planet is being

4. The total pollution caused by your daily actions is your carbon

5. Energy from the sun, wind, and water is called

Natural Resources and Human Impact

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. Which simple action saves electricity at home?

2. How can a kid save water during daily routines?

3. Why does recycling help conserve natural resources?

4. Which choice replaces a short car ride with a cleaner option?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. Turn off the

2. Close the tap while brushing your teeth to

3. Sort bottles and cans into the

4. Planting a

5. Walking or

Natural Resources and Human Impact

What's Included in This Download

12 Printable Pages covering natural resources and human impact

Complete Answer Key for easy grading

Printer-Friendly Format in black & white

Variety of Activities to keep kids engaged

Common Core Aligned grade 4 standards

Instant PDF Download - no signup required

What You'll Learn

These natural resources and human impact worksheets help grade 4 students develop essential science skills through engaging activities.

How to Use These Worksheets

Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Mixing up renewable and nonrenewable resources, especially thinking that fossil fuels can be quickly replaced when they actually take millions of years to form.
Believing that all energy sources cause the same amount of pollution, instead of understanding that solar and wind power produce far less pollution than burning coal or oil.
Forgetting that human actions like deforestation, mining, and littering damage habitats and ecosystems, not just the air or one type of resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a renewable resource?

A renewable resource is one that nature replaces in a short time. Sunlight, wind, water, and trees are renewable because they keep returning. Grade 4 students learn that careful use, like replanting trees, helps keep these resources available for the future.

Why are fossil fuels nonrenewable?

Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are nonrenewable because they took millions of years to form from buried plants and animals. People use them much faster than nature can make new ones, so the supply on Earth keeps getting smaller.

How do humans cause pollution?

Humans cause pollution by burning fossil fuels, dumping trash and chemicals into water, and releasing smoke from factories and cars. This pollution harms air, water, soil, and the animals and plants living in nearby ecosystems and habitats.

What does conservation mean in Grade 4 science?

Conservation means using natural resources carefully so they last longer. Grade 4 students practice conservation by turning off lights, saving water, recycling paper and plastic, planting trees, and choosing renewable energy like solar or wind power when possible.

What is a sustainable choice?

A sustainable choice meets today's needs without using up resources for the future. Examples include carrying a reusable water bottle, biking instead of driving short trips, recycling bottles and cans, and supporting nature reserves that protect plant and animal habitats.

Are these worksheets really free?

Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.

Can I use these in my classroom?

Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.

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Natural Resources and Human Impact Worksheets

Worksheet Preview

What's Included in This Download

What You'll Learn

How to Use These Worksheets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Frequently Asked Questions

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Worksheet Preview

What's Included in This Download

What You'll Learn

How to Use These Worksheets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Frequently Asked Questions

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