Divide the class into groups, and have each group research a particular mineral such as coal, copper, iron, diamond, natural gas and potassium. Ask the students to find out where reserves for their mineral are located on a world map, what the mineral is used for, and which country uses that mineral the most. They may use encyclopedias or the Internet for their research. Also, tell the group to see if they can find out how long the mineral reserves will last. After the groups have finished their research, allow them to share their findings with the entire class. After the presentations, lead a discussion about what would happen if a particular mineral were depleted worldwide.
Restoring soil to its healthy state is good for humans and animals. To help students become familiar with your local soil, gather samples of soils with different colors and textures. You can do this ahead of time, or you can take students on a nature walk and have them gather their own samples. The more samples they have, the more variety they'll be able to create in their soil paintings. Sift big lumps or other solids out of the soil with a sifter. When the soil is fine and free of large particles, divide the soil into paper cups and add enough water to each soil to make mud. Add about a teaspoon of acrylic medium to each cup and stir until it's smooth. Allow students to create paintings with the different colors of soil.
To help students understand the power of the sun, prepare a comparison activity. Prepare a poster picture of the sun, and bring in items to help them visualize the power of the sun. Each square centimeter of the sun's surface gives off as much light as a 6000-watt lamp. Bring a 60-watt lamp and have students figure out how many times brighter that one square centimeter of the sun is than the 60-watt lamp. The surface of the sun has a temperature of 5,800 kelvins. Water boils at 373 kelvins. Have students figure out how many times hotter than boiling water the sun's surface is.
In some parts of the world, wind is a consistent force and can be used to harness energy. Divide your class into groups of three or four students, and give them small motors, cardboard, a ruler, pieces of balsa wood, rubber bands and connecting wire. Give them about 90 minutes to construct a wind turbine. Allow them to experiment with the length and width of the blades, and encourage them to compare their results with other groups. If possible, visit a windmill, so students can compare their creations to working wind turbines.