Natural Resources and Human Impact — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Sunlight is a nonrenewable resource because it runs out at night.
Corrected: Sunlight is a renewable resource because it returns every day.
Grade 4 students learn that the sun shines daily, so sunlight is renewable even though we cannot use it at night.
2. Fix the sentence:
Wind is a resource that humans cannot ever replace or use again.
Corrected: Wind is a renewable resource that keeps blowing across Earth naturally.
Grade 4 science teaches that moving air is constantly produced, making wind a renewable resource for energy.
3. Fix the sentence:
Trees are not a renewable resource because once cut they are gone forever.
Corrected: Trees are a renewable resource because new trees can be planted and grown.
Grade 4 students learn that replanting and reforestation make trees renewable when managed carefully.
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 renewable resources.
Grade 4 science calls resources that nature refills quickly renewable resources.
2. Moving water in rivers can spin turbines to make electricity energy for homes.
Grade 4 students learn that flowing water is a renewable source used to generate electricity.
3. When loggers cut down trees, replanting new trees is called reforestation.
Grade 4 science explains that reforestation helps keep trees a renewable resource for future generations.
4. Sunlight that hits solar panels is changed into electricity for buildings.
Grade 4 students learn that solar panels capture renewable sunlight to power homes and schools.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name three renewable natural resources and explain why each is renewable.
Sample answer: Sunlight, wind, and water are renewable resources. Sunlight returns every day when the sun rises. Wind keeps blowing as the sun heats Earth. Water cycles through rain, rivers, and oceans, so it is replaced naturally and never permanently runs out.
Grade 4 science focuses on resources that refill quickly through natural cycles like the water cycle and weather.
2. How can people make sure trees stay a renewable resource?
Sample answer: People can keep trees renewable by planting new trees after cutting old ones, protecting forests from fires, and using wood carefully. Reforestation programs grow young trees so future Grade 4 students will still have forests, animal habitats, and clean air to enjoy.
Grade 4 students learn that careful management and reforestation keep trees a renewable resource.