Back to projectPublic page

1. Natural Resources And Their Use

This section is still being documented. Clone the project to customize it or keep reading for context.

Part of NCERT 8 Social Science

7 blocks6 nested pages
Last updated Jan 25, 2026. Clone to remix or explore the blocks below.
229d7ca6...
b8468913...
overview

The Big Picture: Our Relationship with Nature

An introduction to the fundamental questions about natural resources and how everything we use connects back to nature.

Natural Resources and Their Use

The Big Questions:

  1. How do we categorize natural resources?
  2. What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?
  3. What are the implications of unsustainable use and over-exploitation of natural resources?

"We must move toward a regenerative economy, an economy that operates in harmony with nature, repurposing used resources, minimizing waste, and replenishing depleted resources. We must return to the innate wisdom of nature herself, the ultimate regenerator and recycler of all resources."

— Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac in 'The Future We Choose'

3b005a92...
vocabulary

Building Your Vocabulary

Master these everyday English words to better understand the chapter content.

1 / 0
Click to reveal
534aeb88...
terms

Essential Technical Terms

Learn the key terminology you'll need throughout this chapter on natural resources.

1 / 0
Click to reveal
6a1f7273...
concept

When Nature Becomes a Resource

Understanding the conditions that transform elements of nature into resources that humans can use.

When Does Nature Become a Resource?

Nature is the totality of life and non-life forms that are part of our environment but have not been created by humans.

Trees exist in forests whether humans are there or not. Rivers flow, mountains stand tall, and the sun shines—all independent of human existence.

But when does Nature become a resource?

bead28cf...
images

Nature to Resource: Visual Examples

See how different elements of nature are transformed into resources through human technology and effort.

2c7169a1...
practice

Test Your Understanding: Key Definitions

Fill in the blanks to reinforce your understanding of what makes something a natural resource.

Fill in each blank with the correct word.
0 of 6 blanks filled
Natural resources are materials and substances that occur inand are valuable to. However, not everything in nature automatically qualifies as a resource. For an element of nature to become a resource, three conditions must be met: it must beaccessible (we need the technology to extract it), economically(the cost of extraction should be practical), and culturally(the use must align with community values). When these conditions are satisfied and humans begin using these elements, they transform from mere natural entities into.