Earth Vault Packet
4th Grade Earth Science North American Natural Resources: USA & Canada
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NORTH AMERICAN RESOURCE VAULT
Independent Study Packet: Minerals & Energy in the USA & Canada
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Part 1
Minerals & Nonrenewable Fuels Beneath Our Feet
Read & Analyze
Earth's Treasures Across the USA and Canada
North America is rich with valuable minerals and nonrenewable fossil fuels. A mineral is a natural, solid, inorganic substance formed deep in the Earth. In the ancient rock of the Canadian Shield (Ontario and Quebec), miners extract nickel, iron, and gold. In the western United States (Arizona and Utah), massive mines produce copper for electrical wiring. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan, Canada produces over 30% of the world's potash, a mineral fertilizer that nourishes farm crops.
Nonrenewable fuels formed over 300 million years ago when ancient swamp plants and sea life were trapped under heavy rock layers, cooked by intense heat and pressure. Today, crude oil and natural gas are pumped in Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, and the oil sands of Alberta, Canada. In Wyoming and the Appalachian Mountains, miners dig coal. Because these fuels take millions of years to form, they cannot be quickly replaced!
A North American Resource Match-Up
Write the matching letter (A, B, C, or D) on each line
1. Copper from Arizona & Ontario mines ___
2. Potash mined in Saskatchewan, Canada ___
3. Petroleum oil from Texas & Alberta ___
4. Coal mined in Wyoming & Appalachia ___
A. Vital plant fertilizer helping North American farmers grow food
B. Burned in traditional power plants to produce electric steam power
C. Excellent conductor metal used in power cables and electronics
D. Liquid fossil fuel refined into vehicle gasoline and airplane fuel
B Formation Timeline & Nonrenewable Concept
Order stages 1 (first), 2 (middle), to 3 (last)
Stage
Enormous underground heat and pressure slowly transform the buried organic matter into oil, coal, and gas.
Stage
Over 300 million years ago, plants and marine creatures die in ancient North American swamps and shallow seas.
Stage
Thick layers of mud, sand, and rock bury the dead organisms deep underground where oxygen cannot reach them.
Explain in your own words: Why is petroleum oil or coal considered nonrenewable in the United States and Canada?
Page 1 Complete • Continue to Renewable Energy North American Resource Vault • USA & Canada Focus
4th Grade Earth Science North American Natural Resources: USA & Canada
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Clean Energy Across the USA & Canada
Renewable power that never runs out!
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Part 2
3 Big Renewable Powers in North America
Clean & Green
Water (Hydro)
Rushing water at giant waterfalls like Niagara Falls and big Canadian rivers spins wheels called turbines to make clean electricity.
Wind Energy
Strong winds across the flat Great Plains (Texas, Iowa, Alberta, and Saskatchewan) push huge turbine blades with zero smoke.
Solar Energy
Dark shiny panels in sunny desert states (Arizona, California) catch radiant light from the sun and turn it into power for homes.
A Energy Face-Off: Fill in the Comparison Chart
Use the Word Bank below to help you!
• Takes millions of years • Never runs out • Causes smoke & smog • Clean with no smoke
Question
Nonrenewable (Coal & Oil)
Renewable (Water, Wind, Sun)
1. How fast is it replaced?
2. Does it make smoke/smog?
3. Name 1 USA or Canada place:
B Science Check Questions: 2 Questions to Answer
1. Niagara Falls sits on the border of the USA and Canada. Why is this giant waterfall a great place to make hydroelectric energy?
2. Wind turbines and solar panels need copper metal wires to work. Why should we still recycle and protect minerals?
C Energy Boss: You Decide!
A new town on the breezy Great Plains needs electricity. Circle your choice:
Wind Turbines OR Coal Power Plant
Why is your choice better for the environment?
D Mastery Self-Check: Check off what you know!
I know water, wind, and sun are renewable.
I can name Niagara Falls as a source of hydro energy.
I can explain why renewable energy is cleaner for our air.
Packet Complete! Outstanding Work, Earth Scientist! North American Resource Vault • USA & Canada Focus
