Natural Resources and Human Impact — Answer Key
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 electricity.
Grade 4 science teaches that fossil fuels are burned at power plants to generate electricity.
2. Cars, trucks, and airplanes use fuel for transportation across long distances.
Grade 4 students learn that gasoline and jet fuel power vehicles used for transportation.
3. Wood from trees is used to build houses where families live.
Grade 4 science explains that trees provide lumber, a key building material for shelters.
4. Cutting down large areas of forest is called deforestation.
Grade 4 students learn that deforestation removes trees and damages animal habitats.
5. When forests are cleared, animals lose their natural habitat.
Grade 4 science teaches that habitat loss harms animals when forests are cut down.
6. Smoke and waste that harm air, water, or land is called pollution.
Grade 4 students learn that pollution is harmful material that damages the environment.
7. Soil, sun, and water help farmers grow crops that we eat each day.
Grade 4 science teaches that natural resources support agriculture and food production.
8. Iron, copper, and other metals are dug from the ground for tools and wires.
Grade 4 students learn that metals are nonrenewable resources mined for manufacturing.
9. Burning fossil fuels can release gases that cause air pollution in cities.
Grade 4 science explains that burning fossil fuels is a major source of air pollution.
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
→ Generating electricity
Air pollution from exhaust
Tree wood and lumber
→ Building houses and furniture
Building houses and furniture
Soil and freshwater
→ Growing food crops
Generating electricity
Cars burning gasoline
→ Air pollution from exhaust
Growing food crops
Grade 4 science teaches that different resources have different main uses, from electricity to food to building materials, while their use can also create pollution.