Implement this lesson:
Implement this during the earth and space unit. (Cross Curricular with Writing)
Learning Objectives:
Students will go on a natural walk to identify what is natural vs man-made and then write about it.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science TEKS
K.10(B) identify basic parts of plants and animals
K.10(A) sort plants and animals into groups based on physical characteristics such as color, size, body covering, or leaf shape
1.9(B) analyze and record examples of interdependence found in various situations such as terrariums and aquariums or pet and caregiver
1.10(A) investigate how the external characteristics of an animal are related to where it lives, how it moves, and what it eats
2.10(A) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs
2.10(B) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics of plants help them meet their basic needs such as stems carry water throughout the plant
2.10(C) investigate and record some of the unique stages that insects such as grasshoppers and butterflies undergo during their life cycle
ELA TEKS
K.3(B) use illustrations and texts the student is able to read or hear to learn or clarify word meanings
K.5(B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information with adult assistance
K.5(E) make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society with adult assistance
1.9(D) recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including: (ii) features and simple graphics to locate or gain information
1.6(C) make and correct or confirm predictions using text features, characteristics of genre, and structures with adult assistance
2.6(B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information
2.6(I) monitor comprehension and make adjustments such as re‐reading, using background knowledge, checking for visual cues, and asking questions when understanding breaks down
Overview:
Natural vs. Man-Made Resources in the Gulf of Mexico
Natural Resources 🌊
Valuable gifts provided by nature—energy, seafood, habitats, and more.
Minerals & Energy
- Petroleum and natural gas: The Gulf holds massive offshore oil and gas deposits—estimated roughly 26–48 billion barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of gas
- Sulfur and salt: Mined offshore, mainly off Louisiana, using resources from salt domes
Wildlife & Fisheries
- Seafood species: Shrimp, oysters, crabs, mullet, snappers, redfish, and others support major commercial and recreational fisheries
- Biodiversity: The Gulf is home to over 15,000 documented marine species, including coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, birds, and more
- Wetlands, seagrass, and oyster reefs: Natural habitats that clean water, protect shorelines, and support nurseries
Ecosystem Services
- Water filtration by wetlands and oysters
- Storm buffering and erosion control by marshes and reefs
- Carbon & nutrient cycling through plant and animal activity
Man-Made Resources 🏗️
Human-created infrastructure and systems built on natural foundations.
Energy & Industry Infrastructure
- Offshore drilling platforms: Thousands of oil and gas platforms supply about 15% of U.S. crude oil production
- Smaller-scale infrastructure: pipelines, wells, and platforms named Mad Dog, Thunder Horse, Atlantis, Vito
- Ports and shipping facilities: Major ports like Corpus Christi, Houston, Mobile, and New Orleans support trade in oil, LNG, seafood, and bulk goods
Renewable & Coastal Management Projects
- Offshore wind farms: New projects in Louisiana and Texas building wind turbines to power homes with clean energy
- Artificial reefs: The “Rigs-to-Reefs” program repurposes old oil platforms to host marine life—creating new habitat from decommissioned infrastructure
Harbor Modifications & Industry Support
- Dredged channels: e.g., Corpus Christi Ship Channel, deepened to support major shipping traffic
- Industrial plants and refineries: Near coastal cities, processing oil, gas, chemicals, metals, and bulk materials
Why It Matters
- Natural resources form the foundation for energy production, fisheries, and ecosystem stability.
- Man-made resources extend and utilize nature’s bounty—for shipping, energy, renewable power, and habitat support.
- Balancing use and protection is critical: overexploitation or pollution can degrade both natural systems and economic benefits
Fun Facts
- The Gulf region supports more than 8 million jobs, $200+ billion in economic activity from industries like fishing, shipping, tourism, and oil
- Gulf oyster shells (natural) are used in road building and restoring beaches (man-made reuse)
- The “Rigs-to-Reefs” program transforms tens of platforms into vibrant underwater ecosystems
| Type | Natural Resources | Man-Made Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Sources | Oil, natural gas, sulfur | Offshore platforms, pipelines, LNG terminals, refineries |
| Biological Resources | Fish, shrimp, oysters, marine habitats | Artificial reefs, restored wetlands, managed fisheries |
| Infrastructure | Natural bays, estuaries, reefs | Ports, shipping channels, pipelines, wind energy installations |
| Ecosystem Services | Water purification, coastal protection, biodiversity support | Storm barriers, sustainable energy, fishing and tourism economy |
Procedures:
- Give students old magazines and ask them to cut out pictures of man made vs natural. They paste them in their science journal
- Take students on nature walk and ask them to identify what they see as natural or manmade. Are their any surprises? Can there be something that is both? What is better for animals and plants? What is better for humans?
- Students write in their journal about their observations
Students Mini Book or Science Notebook Entry:
Students write in their journal about their observations:
- Something that is man made is ____
- Something that is natural is ____
Evaluations:
- Student participation
- Student journal entry
Extension:
- Walking tour around area