Natural Resources Chunked Reading Worksheet
World Geography • Grade 9
USA Natural Resources | Chunked Reading
Name:
Date:
Period:
Objective
Identify natural resources in the United States, their uses, and environmental impacts. Read each chunk, discuss the opinion question, and use text evidence to respond using the sentence stems.
Chunk 1
Forests: A Renewable Resource
Renewable / Renovable
Forests are a renewable resource when they are carefully managed. In the United States, major forests are located in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon), the Appalachian Mountains, and the Southeast. Americans use trees for lumber to build homes, furniture, and paper. However, cutting down too many trees causes deforestation, which destroys habitats and causes soil erosion.
Resumen en español: Los bosques son recursos renovables si se cuidan. Se encuentran en el noroeste del Pacífico, los montes Apalaches y el sureste. Proporcionan madera y papel. La deforestación destruye hábitats y causa erosión.
💬 Turn & Talk (Opinion)
Should the U.S. limit how many trees companies can cut down? Why?
Stem: I think the United States should because .
Español: Pienso que EE.UU. debería porque .
✏️ Text-Based Writing
Identify two U.S. regions with forests and one effect of deforestation.
Stem: Forests are in and . Deforestation causes .
Español: Hay bosques en y . La deforestación causa .
Chunk 2
Oil: A Nonrenewable Resource
Nonrenewable / No Renovable
Oil is a nonrenewable resource because it takes millions of years to form deep beneath the Earth. Major oil-producing areas include Texas, Alaska, North Dakota, and the Gulf Coast. Americans use oil to make gasoline, transportation fuels, heating products, and plastics. Burning oil produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, and oil spills pollute water and harm wildlife.
Resumen en español: El petróleo no es renovable porque tarda millones de años en formarse. Se encuentra en Texas, Alaska, Dakota del Norte y la costa del golfo. Se usa para combustible y plásticos. Su quema contamina y los derrames dañan la fauna.
💬 Turn & Talk (Opinion)
Should the USA depend on oil or invest more in renewable energy? Why?
Stem: I believe the U.S. should because .
Español: Creo que EE.UU. debería porque .
✏️ Text-Based Writing
Name two places with oil, one use, and one environmental impact.
Stem: Oil is in & . Used for . Impact: .
Español: Petróleo en y . Uso: . Impacto: .
Page 1 of 2 • Continue on Page 2 for Chunks 3 & 4 and Synthesis Activity
World Geography USA Natural Resources — Part 2
Student Name:
Chunk 3
Minerals: Resources for Manufacturing
Nonrenewable / No Renovable
Minerals are nonrenewable resources formed over very long periods. Arizona is known for copper, Nevada for gold, and Minnesota for iron ore. Minerals help Americans make electronics, cars, buildings, and steel. Copper is used in electrical wiring; iron ore makes steel. Mining can destroy habitats, pollute water, and damage land.
Resumen en español: Los minerales no son renovables. Arizona tiene cobre, Nevada oro y Minnesota hierro. Se usan en tecnología y edificios. La minería contamina agua y destruye hábitats.
💬 Turn & Talk: Is mining worth the environmental damage? Why?
Stem: I think mining is/is not worth it because .
Español: Creo que la minería sí/no vale la pena porque .
✏️ Text-Based Writing: Two states, their minerals, and one use.
Stem: is in . Used to .
Español: Hay en . Se usa para .
Chunk 4
Water: An Essential Renewable Resource
Renewable / Renovable
Water is a renewable resource through the water cycle, although clean freshwater can become scarce. Important U.S. water sources include the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Colorado River. Americans use water for drinking, farming, manufacturing, and hydroelectricity. Irrigation supplies water to crops. Water pollution harms aquatic organisms, while overuse causes shortages.
Resumen en español: El agua se renueva por el ciclo del agua, pero puede escasear. Fuentes: los Grandes Lagos y ríos Misisipi y Colorado. Se usa para beber, regar y generar electricidad. La contaminación y el sobreuso son problemas.
💬 Turn & Talk: During a shortage, should farmers or cities have priority?
Stem: I think should have priority because .
Español: Creo que debe tener prioridad porque .
✏️ Text-Based Writing: Two U.S. water sources and two uses of water.
Stem: Sources: & . Uses: .
Español: Fuentes: y . Usos: .
Final Activity
USA Natural Resources Synthesis Organizer
Complete using evidence from Chunks 1–4
| Resource |
Type (Renewable / Non.) |
U.S. Locations / States |
Major Human Use |
Environmental Impact |
| 🌲 1. Forests |
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| 🛢️ 2. Oil |
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| ⛏️ 3. Minerals |
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| 💧 4. Water |
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🎟️ Exit Ticket: Evaluation Bilingual Support Included
Which natural resource is most important to the United States? Defend your answer.
Sentence Stem: I believe is most important because . Americans use it to .
En español: Creo que es el más importante porque . Los estadounidenses lo usan para .
USA Natural Resources Chunked Reading • Page 2 of 2
