Michigan Sea Grant
Water Quantity
It may be tricky for a young mind to conceptualize that less than 1% of all water on earth is useable for humans to drink. Simulating the amount of fresh water available on earth by removing measured amounts of water from a five-gallon...
Curated OER
Survival Extravaganza
Fifth graders discuss the effects of scarcity. For this survival lesson, 5th graders use strategies that would help them survive in a survival situation. Students write letters about bears in need of help to survive. Students...
Curated OER
Oh Deer! and English Learner Writing Extensions
Students follow deer through Yellowstone Park and record the number of deer from year to year. In this basic needs of deer lesson, students work in small groups and chart the number of deer each year and give explanations using as...
Advocates for Human Rights
The Right to a Clean Environment: Water
First, young citizens learn about water consumption by doing some research themselves on their home water usage and sharing their findings with the class. Then, they do some brainstorming and devise a plan to reduce water consumption.
Curated OER
WWJD: What Would Jimmy Do?
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this 1973 oil crisis lesson, students research details regarding President Carter's policies regarding the oil crisis that produced a scarcity...
Curated OER
DRY WELLS THAT ARE NOT SO DRY
Students analyze how producers respond to incentives and allocate their scare resources to maximize profits. They write persuasive letters to government officials and others. They read "Dry Wells That Are Not So Dry." They take notes...
Curated OER
Food Insecurity in a Global World: Perspectives from Africa (Lesson One)
High schoolers investigate food scarcity. In this global issues instructional activity, students examine food scarcity issues that have impacted the people of Eastern Africa. High schoolers use the information they gather to...
Curated OER
Opportunity Cost
Students explore the concept of opportunity cost. Classmates discuss, orally and in writing, a time when they had to make a choice when all choices seemed worthwhile. They explore the impact of making decisions when resources are...
Curated OER
Food Insecurity in a Global World: Perspectives from Africa
Students investigate food shortages. In this global issues activity, students examine how food scarcity issues have impacted the people of Eastern Africa. Students use the information they gather to consider how...
Curated OER
Food Insecurity in a Global World: Perspectives from Africa
Students investigate food shortages. In this global issues lesson, students examine how food scarcity issues have impacted the people of Easter Africa. Students use the information they gather to determine methods of...
Curated OER
Life in a Soviet Household
Students simulate the transaction costs experienced by the average householder in the former Soviet Union. They consider time spent searching and waiting in line, scarcity of goods and the lure of the black market.
Curated OER
Economic Forces
Students explore the economic forces of scarcity and choice. They examine how these forces affect the management of personal financial resources, shape consumer decisions, and the economic well-being of society. Students research stock...
Curated OER
Making Choices With Scarce Resources
Students examine the role of scarcity and how to allocate resources. They describe examples of opportunity costs and tradeoffs. They choose a service project based on a cost and benefits analysis. They finally evaluate the impact of the...
Curated OER
The Market for Moving People to America, 1610-1775
Learners examine the markets that brought people to America. They identify the role of the immigrants in creating this country. They also analyze data to gather information about the time period.
Curated OER
Basic Trading
Pupils review the basic ideas of exchange. In groups, they discover the incentives for trade and participate in a simulation. They are given a packet of stamps which are worth varying monetary amounts. They discover the concepts of...
Curated OER
The Class Trip
Mrs. Moore's class is trying to earn money for a trip to the science museum, but how much more do they need? Solve this problem with your own class as they develop their ability to model real-life situations algebraically. As an added...
Curated OER
Africa: A Cultural Safari
Students examine the kingdoms of West Africa during the Middle Ages. They label maps and identify Africa's physical features, simulate the trading of gold, buy and sell goods using cowrie shells, and participate in a cultural safari day.
Visa
Make It Happen: Saving for a Rainy Day
Every little penny counts, especially when it comes to saving for emergencies or long-term goals. Pupils evaluate different saving and investment strategies, such as a CD or money market account, through worksheets and by...
Curated OER
The Case of Vanishing Farmland
High schoolers consider decisions about how to use resources that are in short supply. Students role-play different perspectives in a land-use simulation, and examine land use issues around the world. This interesting lesson sheds light...
Visa
Dream Big: Money and Goals
Whether their objective is independent living, going to college, or buying a car, pupils will participate in discussions and complete worksheets to gain an understanding of how short- and long-term goals play a large role in helping...
Curated OER
Entrepreneurship: Creating Products and Systems That Meet the Needs of Your Clients
There is no better way to learn about a subject than with a hands on project. Middle schoolers design and create a product that meets the needs of fictitious clients. They view a PowerPoint, consider how the Western marketing style is...
Curated OER
In Great Demand
Focusing on supply and demand, learners discuss economic principles in this lesson related to Wisconsin. After discussing supply and demand, learners answer questions related to a pizza parlor. They talk about profit, as well as other...
Pulitzer Center
Exploring Downstream: Water Resources
The lack of clean water is a life-threatening plight for millions of people around the world. Through an extensive WebQuest, young environment or social studies classes compare our water availability to that of the cxitizens of Ethiopia,...
Visa
A Plan for the Future: Making a Budget
From fixed and variable expenses to gross income and net pay, break down the key terms of budgeting with your young adults and help them develop their own plans for spending and saving.