📖

Southwest Resources: Blessings from God's Creation

Exploring US Regions: Southwest

Day 55of 180
Week 11of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Identify key resources in the Southwest region

2

Understand how natural resources can be used responsibly

3

Recognize God's provision through creation

📖 Scripture Connection

Genesis 1:29

“God said, 'Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It shall be food for you.'”

— Genesis 1:29 (WEB)

God provides resources for human needs and care

📦 Materials Needed

  • Map of Southwest United States
  • Pictures of oil rigs, copper mines, and tourist attractions
  • Small glass bottles or containers
  • Colored markers or crayons
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and show map of Southwest. Ask what they know about the region's special resources.

💭 Review Question: What special things does God give us in nature?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explore three main Southwest resources: oil, copper, and tourism. Discuss how each resource helps people and communities.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Oil helps power cars and machines
  • Copper is used in many electrical things
  • Tourism helps local communities earn money
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do these resources help people?
  • What responsibility do we have to take care of God's creation?
3Activity: Resource Treasure Map (7 min)
hands-on

Students create a colorful map marking Southwest resources

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw an outline of Southwest states
  2. Use different colors to mark oil, copper, and tourism sites
  3. Draw small pictures representing each resource
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw map outlines

Challenge: Add brief written descriptions of resources

4Closing (3 min)

Recap how God provides resources for human needs

📝 Review Questions:
  • What resources did we learn about today?
  • How can we be good caretakers of God's creation?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the wonderful resources you provide. Help us use them wisely and care for your creation.

Coming up: Next week, we'll continue exploring the amazing Southwest region!

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 24:1

“The earth is the Lord's, and its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.”

— Psalm 24:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Resource Stewardship Hand Motion

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The Southwest region has unique natural resources that contribute to the US economy and lifestyle.

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage conversations about responsible resource use
  • Help children understand that resources are gifts from God
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding abstract concepts of resource management

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Curiosity about how resources are used and discovered

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research one Southwest resource online with parent supervision
  • Create a collage about Southwest resources
  • Play a resource matching game

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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