Needs and Wants Activity
Provided by: Center for Ecoliteracy|Published on: November 1, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Social Studies, English Language Arts
Authors: Center for Ecoliteracy
Location: Earth
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 →
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 →
Synopsis
- 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 Materials
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.
This resource has students distinguish between needs and wants and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
