DEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Associate Level Material

Resource Timeline

You have an idea you think would work well in the geology exhibit at the museum. You want the museum to include a visual timeline of the use of Earth’s resources. You decide to gather up all of the information you think should be included with the timeline, which you give to the museum for consideration.

Select and complete one of the following assignments:

Option 1: Resource Worksheet

Complete the Associate Program Material: Resource Worksheet in which you identify historical events, distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources, and assess the use of fossil fuels and minerals.

Option 2: Visual Timeline

Create a timeline for the resource display. Include the following:

· A description of at least five historical events influenced by the depletion of resources

· A comparison of renewable and nonrenewable resources

· An assessment of the use of fossil fuels and minerals in your state, country, or the world

· Graphics and pictures, as appropriate

Resource Worksheet

Use the following table to identify five historical events influenced by the depletion of natural resources. Explain each event in at least 150 words.

This island, now called Rapa Nui, is most notable for giant rock statues called Moais that look out over the ocean. Easter Island’s native population base is estimated to have peaked around 15,000 people.

However, around the year 1600, the population rapidly collapsed. The reason for the collapse, hypothetically, can be attributed to deforestation and overpopulation. Trees are naturally scarce in this area of the world. The residents cut down the few trees on the island to move the statues to their oceanside positions. This deforestation resulted in accelerated soil erosion. The damage to the soil made it difficult to grow enough food to sustain the relatively large population of this isolated area.

This inability to grow enough food for the population, along with the introduction of disease to the isolated island, eventually led to the end of this society.