This 3-page 3rd grade social studies worksheet opens with a short box. It says renewable resources can be replaced in a human lifetime and nonrenewable resources take millions of years to form. Students then sort 12 pictured resources into a Renewable column (7) and a Nonrenewable column (5). Page 2 has three written questions about saving oil and keeping trees renewable. Page 3 is the answer key with sample sentences.
“Tell renewable resources from nonrenewable resources.”
Question 1 asks students to sort 12 resources, from wind and fish to coal and iron ore.
“Explain why people should save nonrenewable resources and how to use them more carefully.”
Questions 2 to 4 ask why to save them, how to keep trees renewable and how to use less oil.
The two definitions in a box, then 12 labeled pictures: wind, coal, sunlight, oil, trees, natural gas, water, gold, fish, iron ore, cotton and soil (when cared for). Students write each one in the Renewable column or the Nonrenewable column.
Three questions to answer in complete sentences: why we should save nonrenewable resources, how we can keep trees renewable, and one way to use less oil. A picture of a child planting a tree sits on the page.
The filled sorting chart and a sample sentence for each of the three questions, such as walking, biking or taking the bus to use less oil.
Read the box first
Read the definitions together and ask for one example of each before students sort. Gold and iron ore are the two items most worth checking when you walk the room.
Soil discussion
Soil (when cared for) is the picture students argue about. Let them say why the words in brackets are there before you reveal the key.
Short writing task
Use page 2 as a quick writing task and ask for the word because in question 2, as in the sample answer. Students can read their answers to a partner.
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