Earth and Its Resources Module
Title: Earth and Its Resources: Exploration, Utilization, and Conservation
Target Learners: College-level Earth Science or Environmental Science
students
Duration: 1–2 weeks
I. Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Identify and classify Earth’s natural resources and explain their
significance to human life and development.
2. Describe methods of exploration and utilization of Earth’s resources,
including both traditional and modern techniques.
3. Analyze environmental and societal impacts of resource extraction and
usage.
4. Propose sustainable practices and conservation strategies to ensure
responsible management of Earth’s natural wealth.
II. Unit Topics and Detailed Discussions
1. Introduction to Earth’s Resources
Definition and Classification:
Earth’s resources refer to natural materials and energy sources derived from
the Earth that support human needs and ecosystem functions.
Types of Resources: - Renewable Resources: Solar, wind, water,
biomass, geothermal (naturally replenished) - Non-renewable Resources:
Fossil fuels, minerals, nuclear energy (limited supply)
Importance:
Resources are fundamental to energy production, agriculture, construction,
transportation, and manufacturing. They also support basic human needs
such as food, water, and shelter.
Global and Local Perspectives:
Resource availability and dependence vary across regions, influencing
economies, geopolitics, and development priorities.
2. Exploration and Utilization of Resources
Resource Exploration Techniques: - Geological Surveys: Rock
sampling, seismic mapping - Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery:
Used for mapping mineral deposits and water sources - Geophysical and
Geochemical Methods: Detect underground reserves
Extraction and Use: - Mining: Surface (open-pit, strip mining) and
subsurface mining - Drilling: For oil and natural gas - Water Resource
Management: Groundwater extraction, desalination - Agricultural Use:
Soil and nutrient management
Technological Advancements:
- Use of GIS, drones, automation, and cleaner energy extraction technologies
improves efficiency and reduces environmental impact
3. Environmental and Societal Impacts
Environmental Issues: - Habitat destruction - Air, water, and soil pollution -
Deforestation and desertification - Greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change
Societal Concerns: - Resource conflicts and territorial disputes - Indigenous
rights and displacement - Unequal access and economic disparities
Case Studies:
- Mining in the Philippines - Deforestation in the Amazon - Oil extraction in
the Arctic
Ethical Considerations:
Balancing development with environmental justice and intergenerational
responsibility
4. Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainability Principles:
Meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet theirs. This includes efficient, equitable, and renewable
use of resources.
Conservation Strategies: - Reforestation and afforestation - Protected
areas and wildlife reserves - Watershed and coastal management - Energy
conservation and efficiency programs
International Agreements and Laws: - Paris Agreement (climate
action) - UNCLOS (marine resources) - Convention on Biological
Diversity
Role of Individuals and Communities:
Advocacy, eco-friendly practices, education, and participation in local
conservation efforts
III. Assessment Task
Activity Title: Community Resource Sustainability Plan
Instructions: 1. Select a specific natural resource used in your local area
(e.g., water, wood, minerals). 2. Research its availability, current usage,
environmental impact, and management. 3. Propose a local sustainability
action plan that includes: - Current issues and data - Short-term and long-
term strategies - Community involvement initiatives - Visuals (charts, maps,
infographics)
4. Present the plan as a poster, digital report, or slideshow.
Rubric: - Depth of research and data use – 30% - Feasibility and creativity of
solutions – 30% - Clarity and presentation – 20% - Community impact and
relevance – 20%
IV. References (APA Style)
Botkin, D. B., & Keller, E. A. (2014). Environmental Science: Earth as a Living
Planet (9th ed.). Wiley.
Cunningham, W. P., & Cunningham, M. A. (2017). Principles of Environmental
Science (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). (n.d.). Retrieved
from [Link]
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). Retrieved from
[Link]