Earth Minerals & Human Impact

Skyscrapers are tall buildings to save space in cities. These buildings are made of materials that will   hold heavy weights and last for hundreds of years. Which material is best for building skyscrapers? 

• plastic 
• coal
• rubber
• steel

Which material is used as a source of heat to help people keep warm when it is cold? 

• iron
• gold
• diamonds
• natural gas

Aluminum is an Earth material that is strong and lightweight. How has aluminum most likely been used to improve transportation?

• building railroad tracks
• fueling automobiles
• paving roads
• making airplanes

Which of these is a natural resource?

• train
• office building
• television set
• coal

Which of these is a mineral?

• salt
• wood
• leather
• air

Coal is an Earth material that is often used to help heat people’s homes. How has coal improved the   quality of life for people on Earth?

• People use coal as a fuel source.
• People use coal to build bridges.
• People use coal to power wind turbines. 
• People use coal to prevent disease.

Which material is an example of a mineral resource?

• gold
• plastic
• wood
• water

Most of the energy we use is produced using ______________________

• fossil fuels.
• sunlight.
• electricity.
• trees.

What is one way to help conserve Earth’s nonrenewable resources?

• cut down more trees
• use more water
• reduce the use of fossil fuels
• drain wetlands

Which of these is an earth material used to solve a human problem?

• marble
• concrete
• brick
• plastic