Raw Materials - Natural Resources

Lesson Plan #: AELP- INT0119

index  - stem initiative  -  cati  -  int0119

Date: November 29, 1999

Grade Level(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Subject(s):

• Interdisciplinary
• Science
• Social Studies
• Vocational Education

Duration: Five 50 minute classes

Description: Students study a variety of nature's raw materials/resources (nearby/far-removed), selected technology (machines, tools, processes),
and a variety of consumer goods.

Goals: As a result of this study, students will demonstrate an understanding of:

1) the characteristics of a variety of raw materials/natural resources,
2) the geographical location of selected raw materials/natural resources,
3) the characteristics of selected machines, tools, and processes use to produce consumer goods,
4) ways that raw materials/natural resources are used in the production of consumer goods, and
5) ways that raw materials/natural resources are 'harvested' for use in the production of consumer goods.

Objectives: Students will:

1) read about a variety of common and uncommon raw materials/natural resources,
2) read about types of technology (machines, tools, processes) used in the production of consumer goods,
3) visit sites to observe raw materials/natural resources and to learn how they are 'harvested' for production usage,
4) visit factories, mills, and plants to observe raw materials/natural resources being used in the production of consumer goods.

Materials:

• Community resource people serving as guest speakers in classrooms and as site guides
• Community resource sites (natural areas, farms, factories, mills, plants)
• Reference materials (print/non-print and software)
• Maps and globes
• Audiovisual presentations (films, filmstrips, slides, audio tapes, videos)
• Motion pictures and still photography cameras and video tape equipment
• Internet web sites

1) read about a variety of raw materials/natural resources that are used in the production of consumer goods,
2) read about raw materials/natural resources 'harvesting' techniques,
3) read about machines, tools, and processes used in the production of consumer goods,
4) view audiovisual presentations related to the 'harvesting' and use of raw materials/natural resources in the manufacturing process,
5) identify the geographical location of selected raw materials/natural resources using maps and globes,
6) visit sites to observe raw materials/natural resources,
7) use cameras and audio tape recorders to collect data,
8) make visual displays,
9) create audiovisual presentations,
10) write/present oral reports to the class.

Assessment:

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills development by:

1) talking about raw materials/natural resources (location, quantities, finite/renewable types),
2) talking about types of manufacturing technology,
3) talking about manufacturing/goods production processes,
4) writing about raw materials/natural resources,
5) writing about types of manufacturing technology,
6) writing about manufacturing/production processes,
7) creating visual displays,
8) creating data-based audiovisual presentations,
9) correctly answering 90% of matching, multiple choice, and supply-type test items,
10) creating table top dioramas that depict the location of raw materials/natural resources OR that depict the 'harvesting' of raw materials/natural resources and delivery of these 'materials' to factories, mills, and plants.

Useful Internet Resources: http://www.gnet.org (The Global Network of Environment & Technology), http://www.wri.org (World Resources Institute), http://www.ateec.org (Advanced Technology Environmental Education Center)