SEEd - Grade 8
Lesson Plans

Strand 8.4: INTERACTIONS WITH NATURAL SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES

Interactions of matter and energy through geologic processes have led to the uneven distribution of natural resources. Many of these resources are nonrenewable, and per-capita use can cause positive or negative consequences. Global temperatures change due to various factors, and can cause a change in regional climates. As energy flows through the physical world, natural disasters can occur that affect human life. Humans can study patterns in natural systems to anticipate and forecast some future disasters and work to mitigate the outcomes.

Standard 8.4.1

Construct a scientific 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. (ESS3.A)

• Candy Bar Core Drilling
  tudents will learn how sedimentary layers are formed and how scientists use core samples to determine whether or not the area is good for their particular needs.
• Coal Distribution in Utah
  Students will compare geological maps of Utah to coal maps of Utah to determine why coal is unevenly distributed across the state.
• Helium: An Important Natural Resource
  Students will construct a scientific explanation concerning the geologic processes that support the formation of helium deposits in Utah and the world.
• Minerals In Our Daily Lives
  Students will explore what a mineral is, where they are found in Utah and what minerals are used for. They will construct a scientific explanation of what causes some minerals to be found in Utah while others aren?t and why the minerals found here are not distributed evenly across the state.
• Water in Our World: Exploring Storage and Movement in Different Environments
  This resource is a USGS lesson plan designed to help teachers utilize the "Where is the Water" posters and images from the Modern Water Cycle collection by BYU. The resources emphasize the two-way connection between humans and water and examines the water cycle in various environments: desert, forest, urban, suburban, coastal, and agricultural.
• Whats Up With Our Air? worksheet 5.2.2 & 6.2.2 & 8.1.2 & 8.4.1
  Google Slides presentations and activities created by Breathe Utah. This lesson studies the phenomenon of inversion and pollution in Utah during the wintertime.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.