Assessment: Natural Resources

Subject: Geography | Year: 6

Name: _________________________ Class/Set: ____________ Date: ____________

Section A: Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice)

Mark the correct answer.

Q1: Which of the following is the most accurate definition of a 'finite' resource? a) ☐ A resource that can be replaced as quickly as it is used. b) ☐ A resource that will eventually run out because it cannot be replaced. c) ☐ A resource that is only found in the United Kingdom. d) ☐ A resource that does not cause any pollution when burned.

Q2: Which group of natural resources consists entirely of fossil fuels? a) ☐ Coal, Oil, Natural Gas b) ☐ Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric c) ☐ Iron Ore, Gold, Copper d) ☐ Wood, Water, Geothermal

⇨ The following data table shows the approximate percentage of electricity generated from different sources in the United Kingdom during a typical winter month.

Energy Source	Percentage of Total Generation
Natural Gas	38%
Nuclear	15%
Wind	27%
Biomass	7%
Imports	10%
Solar	3%

Q3: Based on the table provided, what is the combined percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources (Wind, Biomass, and Solar)? a) ☐ 30% b) ☐ 34% c) ☐ 37% d) ☐ 40%

Q4: Why is timber (wood) often considered a sustainable resource? a) ☐ It takes millions of years to form underground. b) ☐ It can be burned to produce carbon dioxide. c) ☐ New trees can be planted to replace those that are cut down. d) ☐ It is more expensive than using plastic or metal.

Q5: Which of the following is a major environmental consequence of extracting mineral ores through open-cast mining? a) ☐ The immediate creation of new wildlife habitats. b) ☐ A reduction in the amount of noise pollution in the area. c) ☐ Significant habitat destruction and soil erosion. d) ☐ An increase in the purity of local water sources.

Section B: Application (Written Answers)

Answer in the spaces provided.

Q6: Identify one renewable energy resource and describe one advantage of using it instead of coal. [3 marks]

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⇨ The following scenario describes a proposal to build a large-scale hydroelectric dam in a valley that currently contains a small village and several ancient woodland sites.

The local government has proposed building a hydroelectric dam to provide 'clean' energy for the growing city nearby. While the dam will provide a reliable source of electricity without burning fossil fuels, the project will require the valley to be flooded. This means the residents of the village must be relocated, and the ancient woodland, which is home to several protected species of owls and bats, will be lost forever. Local farmers are also worried that the dam will change the flow of the river they rely on for their crops.

Q7: Explain why the proposal to build the hydroelectric dam has led to conflict between different groups of people. [6 marks]

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Total Marks: _______ / 14

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⚠ TEACHER’S GUIDANCE

💡 Pedagogical Pulse

• Delivery Note: For Year 6, ensure students understand the distinction between 'Renewable' and 'Sustainable'. While often used interchangeably, emphasize that a resource like timber is only sustainable if managed correctly (replanted).
• Misconception Alert: Watch for students who believe 'Nuclear' is a renewable resource because it doesn't emit CO₂. Remind them it relies on Uranium, which is a finite mineral ore.
• SATS Prep: Question 7 requires an evaluative approach. Encourage students to use PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to ensure they cover multiple perspectives to access the full 6 marks.

Section A Answers

Q1: b

Explanation: Finite resources (non-renewable) have a limited supply. Option (a) describes renewable resources.

Q2: a

Explanation: Coal, oil, and gas are the three primary fossil fuels formed from organic matter over millions of years.

Q3: c

Explanation: Calculation: 27% (Wind) + 7% (Biomass) + 3% (Solar) = 37%.

Q4: c

Explanation: Sustainability in timber relies on the 'replant' cycle, ensuring the resource is available for future generations.

Q5: c

Explanation: Open-cast mining involves removing the surface layer of the earth, which leads to habitat loss and environmental scarring.

Section B Guidance

Q6 Guidance

• 1 Mark: Correct identification of a renewable resource (e.g., Solar, Wind, Tidal).
• 2 Marks: Clear description of an advantage (e.g., "It does not produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide," or "The source will never run out").

Model Answer: "One renewable resource is wind energy. An advantage of using wind instead of coal is that wind turbines do not release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which helps to reduce the impact of global warming."

Q7 Guidance

• 1-2 Marks: Basic identification of the conflict (e.g., "Some people want the dam for energy, but others will lose their homes").
• 3-4 Marks: Developed explanation of at least two different viewpoints (e.g., The environmental impact on the woodland vs the need for clean energy).
• 5-6 Marks: Comprehensive explanation covering multiple stakeholders (City residents, villagers, environmentalists, farmers) with a clear link to why these needs clash.

Model Answer: "The proposal has caused conflict because different groups have different needs. The city residents and government want the dam because it provides 'clean' energy without using fossil fuels, which is better for the planet. However, this conflicts with the villagers who are being forced to leave their homes. There is also a conflict with environmentalists because the ancient woodland and protected species will be destroyed. Finally, farmers are worried about their livelihoods because the dam will interfere with the river water they need for their crops, showing a clash between industrial progress and local needs."