Oklahoma Academic Standard 4. The student will identify basic economic activities of the United States.

Objective 4.1 Analyze how humans adapt to and modify their environments in order to survive and grow.

A.  Explain how humans depend upon the physical environment for food, shelter, and economic activities.              

B.  Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources.

C.  Explain how physical environments can provide both opportunities and limitations for human activity.

In a Nutshell

It is important for students to understand that our environment influences how we live and the resources that are available for our needs. Environment has a direct impact on food, shelter, and economic choices. Students should be able to explain the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources, as well as how humans affect the availability of such resources. Students should also begin to develop an understanding that our physical environments can create or limit job opportunities dependent on the climate and resources of a region.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Routinely ask geographic questions which help students develop mental mapping skills related to a specific environment and what features in that environment support human survival and growth.

• Assist students in explaining how economic actions can influence the ways people modify and adapt to their environment.

• Explain how environmental factors affected historical events and how they impact our daily activities now.

• Analyze the impact that physical features of the Earth have on the economy of a region.

• Describe the spatial patterns of economic activities caused by interactions with other places.

•  Explain the challenges people have faced and the strategies used to address local, regional, or national historical problems. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• renewable and nonrenewable resources; sustainability, conservation

• basic human needs versus wants 

• economic activities: primary (growing food, raising livestock, extraction of minerals or fuels) versus secondary (making products from raw materials, industry, manufacturing)

• Students often fail to realize that an individual’s chosen occupation and economic opportunities are affected by geographic conditions of the place they reside. 

• While prior study in previous grades have introduced students to the concept of environmental stewardship, some students may continue to find it difficult to grasp the concept of sustainable use and the necessity to conserve limited resources. 

Instructional Resources