Question bank: Use of Natural Resources

You already know that nature gives us many things, such as water to drink, land to plant, and air to breathe. But to keep our home, school, and city running, sometimes we need to use a lot of natural resources. For example, when we use water to wash our hands or soil to build buildings, we are using these resources. But it is important to remember that nature has a limit and if we use too much, it can get sick and stop producing things for us to use. So, the question is: Thinking about the city and the countryside, how can the use of soil and water be different in these two places and what impacts can this have on nature? Explain what you understand about this in your own words.

Imagine you are a great explorer and you have found a city where people use a lot of water and soil to grow food. You noticed that in some areas, these resources are being used in a way that can harm the surrounding nature. Now, thinking about the types of impact that excessive water use and soil care can cause, draw a map showing places that are being used in a healthy way and places that are being used in a way that can harm nature. Then, write a short story telling what we can do to better take care of water and soil in this city, so that everyone can continue to use and enjoy these important resources.

Imagine that you are a young researcher and need to find out how people use land and water to grow food and how these uses can help or hinder nature. With that in mind, tell a story about a place in the city or countryside where people take good care of the land and water, explaining what they do to protect these natural resources and how it affects what they can plant and harvest.

In the city where you live, people use water in different ways, such as for bathing, washing clothes, watering plants, and also use the soil to plant food. Thinking about this, tell a story about how a person can take care of water and soil in the city or in the countryside, and explain why it is important to take care of these resources so that everyone can live well.

In the city where João lives, water usage is very intense, being used not only for human consumption but also for the irrigation of parks and gardens. However, the excessive use of this resource can lead to its scarcity and compromise the survival of some living beings, as well as affect the hydrological cycle. Considering the importance of preserving water and the need for awareness for a more sustainable use, explain how water usage practices in the city can impact the availability of this resource and what possible solutions would be to mitigate these impacts. Also, analyze how conscious water use can contribute to the preservation of the environment and the quality of life of urban and rural communities.