Scarcity in Action

Discover the different types of scarcity with this middle-grade economics worksheet! Learners will start by reading a short paragraph about the causes and effects of personal, community, and national scarcity. Then, students will review six scenarios and determine which type of scarcity each one shows. Lastly, learners will answer three short-response questions about the different types of scarcity.

This worksheet prompts students to recognize how needs, wants, opportunity costs, and scarcity all relate to one another. Learners will also be able to see how scarcity can keep the needs of individuals, communities, and countries from being met. Scarcity also drives decision-making, helping to contextualize historical and current events.

Check out Determining Costs and Benefits and Shortage and Surplus for related economics practice.