This annotated kindergarten inquiry focuses on the economics concept of scarcity by developing an understanding of needs and wants and goods and services through the compelling question, “Can we get everything we need and want?” The distinctions between these constructs serve as the necessary components of an examination of the choices people must make when faced with potential limitations.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Can we get everything we need and want?
Staging Question
Brainstorm examples of wants and needs and discuss examples of goods and services.
1
Supporting QuestionWhat do we want? What do we need?
Formative TasksSort and categorize items as needs or wants.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: Needs and wants
2
Supporting QuestionHow do goods and services meet our needs and wants?
Formative TasksIdentify a need or want and determine ways in which it could be satisfied through goods and services.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: Goods and services
3
Supporting QuestionWhat happens when there isn’t enough for everyone?
Formative TasksParticipate in a discussion of options people have when faced with scarcity.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: Scarcity
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Why can’t we ever get everything we need and want? In small groups, construct arguments, supported with evidence, that address the question of whether or not we can ever get everything we need and want.
Extension: Create two-sided collages with images of needs (or goods) on one side and wants (or services) on the other.
Taking Informed Action
Understand: Identify a need or want for the classroom.
Assess: Brainstorm methods of fulfilling the need or want for the classroom.
Act: Select and act on a method of fulfilling the need or want for the classroom.