8th Grade Science Guide

8.4 Natural Resources 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 4

STANDARD ● 8.4.1 Construct a scientifc explanation based on evidence that shows that the uneven distribution of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources is caused by geological processes. Examples of uneven distribution of resources could include Utah’s unique geologic history that led to the formation and irregular distribution of natural resources like copper, gold, natural gas, oil shale, silver, and uranium. (MS-ESS3-1)

CONCEPTS

SKILLS

● Uneven distribution of Earth’s mineral, energy and groundwater resources ● Geological processes

● Construct an explanation

LEARNING PROGRESSIONS

● Humans depend on Earth’s land, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere for many resources. ● Minerals, fresh water, and biosphere resources are limited, and not renewable. ● These resources are distributed unevenly around Earth as a result of past geologic processes. ● Renewable energy resources are being rapidly developed.

VOCABULARY

● Geologic Process ● Distribution ● Natural resource

● Resource Limitation ● Non-renewable Resource ● Renewable Resource

POSSIBLE PHENOMENA ● Bingham Canyon is only one of a few places worldwide where large amounts of copper are mined.

● Gilsonite is plentiful in the Uinta Basin in Northeast Utah. ● Coal is plentiful in Emery, Carbon, and Sevier Counties. ● The Uinta Basin has oil and gas reserves. ● There are blue ponds in the desert near Moab. ● Cars have not been able to race on the Bonneville Salt Flats in recent years.

END OF UNIT COMPETENCY WITH LANGUAGE SUPPORTS ● I can explain how uneven distribution of Earth’s resources is caused by geological processes. ○ Language Supports: ■ Abstract nouns to introduce concepts (effect, relationship) ■ Connectors to link clauses (as a result of, therefore, instead, however, on the other hand) ■ Clause types to express causality (if/then)