7th Grade Natural Resources and Energy Quiz

Natural Resources

• Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally and can be used for economic gain
• Examples: water, minerals, wood, fossil fuels, sunlight, wind

Nonrenewable Resources

• Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replenished quickly enough to keep up with human consumption
• Examples: fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas), minerals, nuclear energy

Fossil Fuels

• Fossil fuels are formed from ancient plants and animals that have been buried for millions of years
• Examples: petroleum, natural gas, coal
• Fossil fuels are a major source of energy, but they are finite and contribute to climate change

Petroleum

• Petroleum is a fossil fuel used to produce gasoline, diesel, and other products
• It is a major source of energy, but its use contributes to climate change and air pollution

Natural Gas

• Natural gas is a fossil fuel used to generate electricity, heat homes, and power vehicles
• It is a cleaner-burning fuel than coal or petroleum, but still contributes to climate change

Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource that generates electricity through nuclear reactions
• It is a low-carbon source of energy, but it produces radioactive waste and poses safety risks

Politics of Energy

• The production, distribution, and use of energy resources are influenced by political and economic factors
• Governments and corporations often prioritize fossil fuels over alternative energy sources

Reducing Fossil Fuel Usage

• Reducing fossil fuel usage can help mitigate climate change and improve air quality
• Strategies include increasing energy efficiency, using alternative energy sources, and reducing energy consumption

Alternative Energy Sources

• Alternative energy sources are renewable and sustainable, unlike fossil fuels
• Examples: solar energy, hydroelectric energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy

Solar Energy

• Solar energy is generated from sunlight, which is abundant and free
• It can be harnessed using solar panels, solar water heaters, and passive solar design

Hydroelectric Energy

• Hydroelectric energy is generated from the movement of water in rivers and oceans
• It is a reliable and renewable source of energy, used to generate electricity and power homes

Passive Solar Energy

• Passive solar energy is a design approach that uses sunlight to heat and cool buildings naturally
• It reduces the need for fossil fuels and promotes energy efficiency

Wind Energy

• Wind energy is generated from the movement of wind, which is abundant and free
• It is used to generate electricity and power homes, farms, and industries

Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy is generated from the heat of the Earth's interior
• It is used to generate electricity, heat homes, and provide hot water

Bioenergy

• Bioenergy is generated from organic matter, such as plants, wood, and waste
• It is a renewable source of energy, used to generate electricity, heat homes, and power vehicles

Minerals and Mining

• Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with economic value
• Examples: metals (iron, copper, gold), minerals (salt, quartz, diamonds)
• Mining is the extraction of minerals from the Earth, often with environmental and social impacts

Water Resources

• Water is a vital natural resource, essential for human survival
• Types of water resources: surface water (rivers, lakes, oceans), ground water (aquifers)

Human Impact on Water Resources

• Human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and urbanization, affect water resources and the environment
• Human impact on water resources includes pollution, over-extraction, and climate change

Desalination and Aquifers

• Desalination is the process of removing salt and minerals from seawater or brackish water
• Aquifers are underground layers of permeable rock that store groundwater, an important source of freshwater

Test your knowledge on natural resources, nonrenewable resources, alternative sources of energy, minerals, and water resources. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as mining and distribution of minerals around the world.