Oklahoma Academic Standard 1. The student will describe the features of self-government and the role of citizens of the United States.

Objective 1.3 Summarize the role of citizens as responsible stewards of natural resources and the environment.

A.  Describe the benefits of participation in recycling and anti-littering activities.

B.  Identify present-day examples to conserve natural resources and the development of alternative, sustainable energy sources.

In a Nutshell

Each citizen has the duty and responsibility of being a good steward of natural resources and the environment. It is important for students to recognize their roles in preserving and conserving such resources through deliberate actions such as recycling. Students should also begin to develop an understanding of the different alternatives to the use of fossil fuels, such as wind and solar energy. 

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students in using democratic processes to consider and propose actions to address authentic, real-world problems, such as conservation of natural resources. 

• Ask students to answer various levels of open-ended questions regarding how our nation can implement alternative, sustainable energy sources. 

• Give examples of costs and benefits resulting from personal economic decisions related to the use and conservation of natural resources. 

• Explain the strategies used to address the conservation of natural resources.

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• natural resources

• renewable versus nonrenewable resources

• energy resources, fossil fuels, alternative sources of energy 

• conservation, preservation, recycle, litter, pollution

• sustainability  

• civic responsibility 

• One common student misconception is that human actions don’t affect the environment. This is an opportunity to highlight the importance of citizens to assume their responsibilities to the health of the environment.

• Many students will possess limited prior knowledge regarding the differences between renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, as well as the concepts of conservation and sustainability. 

Instructional Resources