Lesson 2: Types of Resources

Key Idea

The land where California Indian groups lived shaped their whole way of life. Each group learned to use what was around them to survive and build their community. The mountains, coasts, and valleys of California all offered different gifts.

This meant each group had unique homes, foods, and tools based on the natural resources nearby. For example, the Hupa used forest trees to build strong plank houses, while the coastal Chumash used shells from the ocean as a form of money.

Key Idea

People need skills and knowledge to use the things they find in nature. These skills are called human resources. This is the special know-how that people use to turn natural resources into things they need, like food and shelter.

California Indians were experts at weaving strong baskets from reeds and hunting animals. Early settlers brought different skills, like farming with plows and building sturdy log cabins. Both groups used their unique human resources to survive and build their lives in California.

Key Idea

People create special tools to help them get what they need from nature. These human-made items are called capital resources. They are tools or equipment that help people produce other goods.

California Indians built fish weirs in rivers. These were like fences made of wood that helped them catch many fish for their community.

Key Idea

People use capital resources, like tools and machines, to make things. Early settlers in California used simple tools like hand plows to farm the land. These tools helped them turn natural resources, like soil, into food.

Over time, people invent new and better ways to do work. This is called technological advancement. A simple hand plow changed into a large tractor. These new and improved tools let people do more work, faster and more easily.