Third graders learn the difference between needs — the things we must have to live, like food, water, and shelter — and wants — the things we would like but can live without — and why that difference helps us make smart choices.
Students will be able to…
You need food to live, but do you NEED candy? Some things we truly need, and some things we just want. What’s the difference — and why does it matter?
Project this and sort each thing into a need (something we must have to live) or a want (something we would like).
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
You need food, but do you NEED candy? What’s the difference?
Students investigate.
Students explain.
Students share.
Students conclude.
Aligned to the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards (Grade 3 / Communities).
Explain the difference between needs and wants.
Explain how people make choices with limited resources.
Explain how people save for wants.
Use reasoning to take informed action.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students imagine they have a little money and decide whether to spend it on a need, a want, or to save it — and explain their choice. A printable needs-and-wants sheet is in the Social Studies library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.