CurriculumGrade 12Science

Human Sustainability and Resources

Aligned to HS-ESS3 — Next Generation Science Standards.

What this lesson teaches

Human use of natural resources affects Earth's systems. Sustainable choices balance present needs with the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Worked example

Replacing fossil fuels with solar and wind reduces carbon emissions, lowering long-term harm to the climate system.

Practice questions

  1. What makes a resource renewable vs. nonrenewable?
  2. Give one example of a sustainable practice.
  3. How can human activity disrupt an Earth system?

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

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En español

Sustentabilidad humana y recursos naturales

El uso humano de los recursos naturales afecta los sistemas de la Tierra. Las decisiones sustentables equilibran las necesidades del presente con la capacidad de las generaciones futuras para satisfacer las suyas.

Ejemplo: Reemplazar los combustibles fósiles con energía solar y eólica reduce las emisiones de carbono, disminuyendo el daño a largo plazo al sistema climático.

More Earth & Space Science lessons

The Universe and Its StarsHS-ESS1Earth's Climate SystemsHS-ESS2

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