Georgia SS1E2
The Standard
Explain that scarcity is when unlimited wants are greater than limited resources.
Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students recognize when there is not enough of something for everyone who wants it. They explain why people must make choices when supplies, time, space, or money are limited.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can identify scarcity in a simple classroom or home example. The student can name what is limited, who wants it, and a choice people could make.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think scarcity means there is none of an item, rather than not enough for everyone. They may also think scarcity only involves money or basic needs.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: “Our class has 10 students and 6 glue sticks. Explain the problem and name one choice the class could make.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give four students two markers, then have them identify what is limited and agree on a fair way to share.
Ask students to draw something many classmates might want when only one is available, then write one choice the class could make.
Read classroom scenario cards and play Scarcity or Not, with students holding up labeled cards and explaining each answer.
Show a playground with two swings and several waiting children, then discuss how limited space and equipment affect their choices.
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Printable SS1E2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS1E2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- SSKE4
Explain that people must make choices because they cannot have everything they want.
- SS1E4
Explain that people earn income by working and that they must make choices about how much to save and spend.
- SS2E3
Explain that people usually use money to obtain the goods and services they want and explain how money makes trade easier than barter.
- SS2E1
Explain that because of scarcity, people must make choices that result in opportunity costs.
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