C H A P T E R 2
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Natural Resources of
Pennsylvania
What natural
resources are
shown in this
picture?
T
his chapter deals with the many
natural resources of our state. A
natural resource is something that is
made by nature and is used by people.
Pennsylvania is fortunate to have many
natural resources. They are soils, forests,
waterforms, landforms, fossil fuels,
minerals, and people. Other natural
resources are plants and animals. All of
these resources have been useful in the
development of our state and country.
Resources can be either renewable or
non-renewable. A renewable resource can
be replaced with time. A non-renewable
resource cannot be replaced.Once it is used
up, it is gone forever!
Forests, plants, animals, and humans are
living renewable resources. Air, water, soil,
and the sun are non-living renewable
resources. Sometimes, plants and animals
can be destroyed so that they are extinct.
Extinct means no longer living, like the
dinosaurs. Some non-renewable resources
are coal, oil, natural gas, ironore, and sand.
In this chapter, you will learn about the
many natural resources of our state. You
will learn where they are located. You will
also learn how peoplemake products from
our resources. Different kinds of jobs also
will be described.
It also is important to use our natural
resources wisely. All of us need to protect
our natural resources so that you canmake
use of themwhen you are an adult. That is
why certain laws have been passed — to
protect our environment and save our
natural resources. You will learn more
about these ideas in Lesson 9. What if we
did not have our natural resources? Our
state would look much different. Our
people alsowould live differently.
Chapter 2
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