Activity Overview
A natural resource is something that occurs in nature and is used to make products that contribute to a region’s economy. Many natural resources can be found in Canada, but fresh water is by far the most important to Canadians. Some of the other natural resources that are abundant in Canada are oil, trees, minerals such as gold, silver, and copper, fish, and coal. For this activity, students will research the natural resources of Canada and create a storyboard to illustrate their use and importance. Spider maps are an excellent tool to help students organize facts in a systematic and visual manner.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map explaining the natural resources of Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a natural resource in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/natural resource in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | There are at least three resources in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions are accurate and complete. | There are two resources in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions are accurate and complete. | One resource is correct and the title and description are accurate and complete. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
A natural resource is something that occurs in nature and is used to make products that contribute to a region’s economy. Many natural resources can be found in Canada, but fresh water is by far the most important to Canadians. Some of the other natural resources that are abundant in Canada are oil, trees, minerals such as gold, silver, and copper, fish, and coal. For this activity, students will research the natural resources of Canada and create a storyboard to illustrate their use and importance. Spider maps are an excellent tool to help students organize facts in a systematic and visual manner.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map explaining the natural resources of Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a natural resource in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/natural resource in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | There are at least three resources in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions are accurate and complete. | There are two resources in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions are accurate and complete. | One resource is correct and the title and description are accurate and complete. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Identifying Canadian Natural Resources
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on the Impact of Canadian Natural Resources
Engage your students by leading a class discussion about how natural resources shape Canadian life. This approach sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and helps students connect classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Prepare guiding discussion questions
Draft 3–5 open-ended questions focusing on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of Canadian natural resources. This helps students think deeply and share diverse perspectives.
Set clear discussion norms
Explain expectations for respectful listening and participation. Establishing norms creates a safe environment where every student feels comfortable sharing ideas.
Start with a thought-provoking scenario
Present a real-life situation, such as a community relying on forestry or a debate about mining. Scenarios make the topic relatable and encourage students to apply their learning.
Encourage every student to contribute
Use strategies like think-pair-share or round-robin to ensure all voices are heard. This promotes inclusion and deepens understanding for every learner.
Wrap up with a reflection activity
Invite students to write or share one new insight they gained about Canadian natural resources. Reflection reinforces learning and helps connect the discussion to the activity objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Canadian Natural Resources
What are the most important natural resources in Canada?
Canada's most important natural resources include fresh water, oil, forests (trees), minerals like gold, silver, and copper, fish, and coal. Fresh water is considered the most vital to Canadians due to its abundance and significance for daily life and industry.
How can I teach students about Canadian natural resources using a spider map?
To teach students about Canadian natural resources using a spider map, have them choose three resources, write each as a heading, illustrate each with scenes or items, and add a short summary beneath each illustration. This visual tool helps students organize and present their research clearly.
What is a spider map and why is it useful for geography lessons?
A spider map is a visual organizer that helps students systematically arrange facts around a central concept. It's useful for geography lessons because it allows students to break down complex topics, like natural resources, into clear, connected ideas and visuals.
What grade level is best for lessons on Canadian natural resources?
Lessons on Canadian natural resources are ideal for grade 4-5 students. This age group can research, summarize information, and create simple visual organizers like spider maps to enhance their understanding of geography topics.
Can you give examples of storyboard activities for teaching Canadian natural resources?
Examples include having students research three Canadian natural resources, illustrate each in a storyboard cell, and write a brief summary of their uses and importance. This engages students by combining visual learning with research and writing skills.
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