Needs and Wants Activity
Activity - Classroom
Grades4, 5, 6, 7, 8Social Studies, English Language Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Center for Ecoliteracy
What it is
- This activity has students differentiate between needs and wants using picture cards to sort them.
- Students also think about which things are often thrown away.
- This resource will promote student conversations, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This activity is engaging and will get students talking.
- Everything needed to complete the activity is included in the resource, with just a bit of teacher preparation.
Additional Prerequisites
- In order to complete this activity, you will need to print the included cards, cut them, and place them in an envelope or baggie for each partnership or group.
Differentiation
- This activity would work well in social studies or language arts classes, where students are learning about the basic requirements of societies or learning to debate.
- This activity would make a great station during a station-rotation model where students complete a different activity at each station.
- As an extension, have students create their own cards to add to the pack detailing other wants or needs they would like to discuss.
- Science classes can use this activity to connect to lessons about the basic requirements of living organisms, homeostasis, metabolism, and habitats.
From the scientist review
This resource has students distinguish between needs and wants and is recommended for teaching.
How we review resourcesReady to use it?
Hosted on ecoliteracy.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
