Geoquest Nevada

In this unit, students learn about natural resources, the geologic processes that have resulted in their uneven distribution, the human use of renewable and nonrenewable resources, and the environmental impacts of natural resource mining. Students participate in interactive simulations, a variety of mapping activities, and create an action plan for mining in Nevada.  

Hands-on Activities: 

• Country Resource Game: Students take on the role of different countries, highlighting the impact of uneven resource distribution, to create paper chains.   
• Power plant simulation: Students engage in a simulation of a power plant, illustrating the consequences of relying on nonrenewable energy sources like fossil fuels. 
• Watercolor Watersheds: Students identify places in their watershed that are important to them and create a watercolor artwork of their watershed.  
• Geocaching activity: Students use GPS units for a geocaching activity, learning how technology is used in resource location and extraction while discussing its environmental impact. 
• Nonrenewable resource and population simulation: Students delve into the impact of human population growth on natural resources through a hands-on yarn and popsicle stick simulation. 
• Renewable Energy Derby Cars: Students design and build alternative energy vehicles using Derby Cars. 

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

MS-ESS3-1 • MS-ESS3-3 • MS-ESS3-4