Inquiry

Why Do People Trade Resources?


One of the reasons everyone in the world does not live in the same place is that resources are distributed in different locations. One area might have trees. Another area might have lots of water. Another area might have mountains. One region will not have all necessary resources. There are simply not enough resources in one area to supply everyone's needs and wants.

This is why people settle in different parts of the world and regions work together to trade with each other so that each region has a little bit of every resource. This way there is enough for everyone.

Each region in Canada has different reasons to live in the location.

A forest may have more rainfall than other areas. Forests tend to isolate the people who live there or make communication with others difficult. In a forest, it is difficult to grow food. Forests can both increase and reduce the variety of plants and animals. They can harbour beneficial plants and medicines, and they can hide dangerous wildlife.  Forests support hunters and gatherers. Can you think of one main resource in a forest?

What industry is based on trees?  Pixabay


Mountains can make travel difficult. They may be rugged and filled with wild animals such as bears and wolves. They may have no natural passes or easy ways to cross. They may have beautiful snow, ice, or glaciers, but they also make travel dangerous. They may make the people living there feel isolated from the rest of the world. Or, they may be great spaces for recreation. Mountains have many resources. What industry can you find in the mountains?

What industry tunnels in mountains or underground finding resources in rocks?Pixabay


Seas, rivers, and lakes are good transportation routes and sources of drinking water. Water may be home to animals or plants that could be used for food.  Why would people want to live by water?

What goods could be transported on these boats?Pixabay
Good soil in large open spaces can allow people to grow food to support themselves and many others. But, farming can significantly change an area. Livestock may compete with wild animals. Wild animals can be overhunted and disappear.  Dry grasslands can be overgrazed and damaged. Rich nutrients can disappear from the soil. A bread basket may become a dust bowl if it is not well-managed. 

Why might a region be called a "bread basket?" Pixabay

Pixabay

To prepare for Social Studies 5, play the game Settlers of Catan with your friends or family. This is a good way to learn about resources and
how trade builds communities.

Resources for Inquiry

  1. Textbook
      • Read pages 18 and 19.

        • Around the map are pictures of kids and a caption by each. The captions provide hints about the regions the kids live in.  They describe what Rick Hansen might have seen when he wheeled across their region. 
        • Read the captions.
        • Can you figure out in which region each child lives?

  2. Websites

Play Settlers of Catan. Think about where resources might be located in Canada.


Notebook


Click here to download, save to your Unit 1 Notebook, and complete the 1-2 Where are Resources Located? self-check.