Grade 5 · Science · Lesson 30

Natural Resources & Recycling

A natural resource is something useful that comes from the Earth — like water, soil, wood, sunlight, coal, or metals. People depend on natural resources every day for food, energy, shelter, and tools. But not every resource lasts forever. Some refill themselves naturally; others took millions of years to form and cannot be replaced in our lifetime.

What this lesson teaches

1Define what a natural resource is and give examples
2Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources
3Explain how recycling and the 3 R's protect Earth's resources
4Classify everyday materials as renewable or nonrenewable

🔒 Member-only content

Unlock the full lesson

Subscribe to access the complete mini-lesson, guided practice, interactive exercises, and printable PDF for this lesson — plus all 1,680 lessons across grades 1–6.

See membership plans Try a free lesson first

The first lesson of every subject is free — no account required.